The Unfolding
God is writing a great big story and you have a standing invitation to be a part of it. Every week, host Meridith Foster sits down with a guest to share their chapter in God’s Unfolding story.
Tue, April 01, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "It will be a good death." Dr. Pamela Pyle Shares End-of-Life experiences
Hear Dr. Pamela Pyle's full story on the latest episode of Wow God Stories. “It will be a good death.” These words were shared by a patient. This episode explores what Dr. Pamela Pyle calls the “ending journey.” As a hospital physician and the author of Anticipating Heaven , she’s witnessed a peace in dying that defies understanding. It began with a conversation by a patient’s bedside. It led to the writing of a book. But more than anything, it led her to see death not as a cold ending, but as a sacred passage.
Fri, March 28, 2025
Page 233: Megan Woods: The Truth About Identity in Christ
Megan Woods grew up in church but drifted away from faith during her teens . In high school, she experienced bullying, heartache, and a constant struggle with self-worth. It seemed she was never good enough . But in the lowest moment of her life, God began to show her the truth about who He is and His love for Megan . Out of that experience, Megan wrote a song called The Truth . Released in 2024, the song made Megan Woods the biggest debut artist in Contemporary Christian Music that year . It reached #1 on the Christian charts in the U.S. as well as on iTunes in 38 countries . Megan Woods on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganwoodsmusic/?hl=en
Tue, March 25, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "Football was my god. It told me who I was, how good I was, and what I was going to do."
"Football was my god. It told me who I was, how good I was, and what I was going to do." Derwin Gray was a leader on the Indianapolis Colts. A hard-hitting defensive star with NFL money, a promising career, and a wife to share it all with. By every measure, he was a success. But inside, Derwin was still a boy without a role model, shaped by his father’s absence and striving to prove he was worth something. He thought building a strong resume was the answer. Then, in the most unexpected way, God met him—in the locker room—through a teammate wrapped in nothing but a towel. What followed would change everything. Hear the full interview here on the Manly with Andy Podcast: https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/manly-with-andy/episode-113-how-to-actually-share-jesus-w-others-derwin-gray/
Fri, March 21, 2025
Page 130: Ben Fuller: Songwriter’s Search for Love Leads to Jesus
In 2022, Ben Fuller was a singer and songwriter just beginning his career in Christian music . His song “Who I Am” has been played on stations around the country . H e gr ew up on a dairy farm in Vermont as a well-liked kid who seemed to have it all together . But he always struggled to earn his father’s approval . On the inside he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole . He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, even “making it” in country music . With each new thing, he was left asking himself, “Is this it ? Is THIS what life is all about?”
Tue, March 18, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: “Can You Wait Just a Little While Longer?” - Jennifer Sakata
"Jennifer, can you wait just a little while longer?" In a quiet valley in South Africa, Jennifer Sakata sought God's direction . She was w a i t i n g , as a single 33-year-old woman , to find love and become married . Jennifer’s surrender of her deepest longing to the Lor d turned into one of the most intimate moments with God she’s ever experienced. Hear Jennifer and her husband talk about their marriage story on the "Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast"!
Mon, March 17, 2025
Page 180: Miss Kay Robertson: Duck Dynasty Mother Shares the Story of Fighting for her Marriage
When Miss Kay Robertson was a young girl, her grandmother told her one day she might have to fight for her marriage. That seemed crazy to Miss Kay’s young ears, but her grandmother was right. Long before Phil and Kay Robertson and their sons, Willie, Jase, Jep, and Alan became famous for making duck calls and the television show Duck Dynasty, Phil and Kay lived through ten hard years. The story of those early years is being told in a movie called The Blind . Phil and Kay started a family and married as teenagers. While Phil was in college, he began drinking. Soon he was an alcoholic, staying out all night, leaving Kay to raise their three sons. Everyone Kay knew told her to leave him. She knew if he was ever going to change, it would take a miracle. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmisskayrobertson/
Tue, March 11, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "...the more emotive I am, the more God surprises me.” - Nigel Masenda
“I’ve often felt I can be too much, but the more emotive I am, the more God surprises me.” Nigel Masenda learned early on that revealing his heart—tears, frustrations, and all—could open the door to unexpected moments of divine kindness. Growing up in a family and culture where men were often reserved, he felt out of place for expressing his emotions so freely. But when his mother traveled abroad for a funeral and couldn’t return for two long years, loneliness and unanswered prayers pushed him deeper into raw, honest faith. Through caring neighbors, silent prayers, and a tenacious hope, Nigel discovered that embracing vulnerability before God not only shapes our perspective—it can transform our very lives.
Fri, March 07, 2025
Page 232: Justin and Trisha Davis: Marriage Recovery After Betrayal
Justin and Trisha Davis appeared to be living the dream—a beautiful family, successful ministry, and a future filled with promise. After planting their first church, Justin had an affair with a staff member who was also Trisha's best friend. Their marriage, family and careers were simultaneously blown apart and they were forced to come to terms with their brokenness . It seemed their story would be one of failure and loss, but Justin and Trisha found grace, healing and redemption for even the most shattered parts of their lives . Justin and Trisha are the founders of RefineUs.org and the authors of One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back. Justin and Trisha Davis' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refineus/</spa
Tue, March 04, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: “...the children are in the story” - Becky Crane
Becky Crane has always been captivated by the power of a good story . From her childhood days curled up with books to sharing Bible stories in kids’ church, she’s seen God show up in the simplest, most surprising moments. Becky recounts how Billy Graham’s words and C.S. Lewis’s depiction of Aslan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe helped shape her faith. If you’ve ever wondered how God might speak through stories, this conversation will both encourage and inspire you.
Fri, February 28, 2025
Page 231: Jinger Duggar Vuolo: Breaking Free from Life as a People Pleaser
Jinger Duggar Vuolo grew up on television . From the age of 10 until she was 27, her family appeared on TLC’s reality shows 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On . As the sixth child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, she grew up in a strict religious system led by a teacher who claimed to speak for God . That belief system contributed to a view of God as an angry judge waiting for her next mistake. Motivated by a fear of rejection, she was driven to be a people pleaser, trying to keep everyone happy all of the time. But as she grew to know and understand God’s love, she realized the loving thing to do was speak the truth . Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the author of Becoming Free Indeed, and People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations. Website: <span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW30974668
Tue, February 25, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: “My wife was desperate, and in that moment, God intervened.” J.D. King
“My wife was desperate, and in that moment, God intervened.” Much like the determined woman in Scripture who reached out for Jesus’s garment, J.D. King’s wife refused to let her circumstances define her future. This story is featured in the book, "Mighty Like Gideon" .
Fri, February 21, 2025
Page 230: Brandon Heath: Forgiveness, Healing, and the Power of Mentors
When Brandon Heath heard the Gospel as a teenager, he was hungry for truth, love, and healing. His parents’ broken relationship had left him hurting and carrying a heavy load of resentment. When he heard God is love, and more specifically, God love s him , it was life-changing . But transformation and healing take time. God was putting people in Brandon’s life, including a guy named Bob Goff. They were mentors who saw things in Brandon he couldn’t see in himself. Brandon Heath is a singer and songwriter who ’ s been nominated for multiple Grammys and won eight Dove awards for songs like “Give Me Your Eyes,” “See Me Through It , ” and “I’m Not Who I Was.” Brandon’s latest project is called " The Ache ."
Tue, February 18, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "She didn’t want to be there. And then, God broke through."
Does God still transform lives in an instant today? Pastor Josh Brewer would say yes. As the leader of Transformation Youth Camp, he’s seen firsthand how God breaks through even the hardest hearts. In this episode, Josh shares the powerful story of a young girl who arrived blind to God’s love—only to encounter Him in a way that removed the scales from her spiritual eyes. She didn’t just see—she was filled with an overwhelming love of God. "She didn’t want to be there. And then, God broke through."
Fri, February 14, 2025
Page 229: Gina and Jeff: Finding Love Again
Twelve years ago, Gina’s husband passed away after a short battle with cancer . She was left with two young children , and it was so hard. She couldn’t imagine ever loving someone that way again . Across the country, Jeff was feeling the wounds of a hard divorce . Marrying again seemed so unlikely. But as the years passed, both Gina and Jeff began to pray, and their friends started praying, too . Was it possible that God might have someone they could love ? In this special Valentine’s episode of The Unfolding, we share a beautiful story of hope, trusting God, and finding love. Show Notes: Find wedding photos here: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast <span class="EOP SCXW162695825 BCX0" data-ccp-props=
Tue, February 11, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "We prayed for her to wake up on Valentine's Day. And she did—but...”
“ We prayed for her to wake up on Valentine's Day. And she did—but in heaven. ” Every year, Lee and Terry commemorate their daughter Amanda’s passing with a homecoming celebration. In this deeply moving episode, they share the painful journey leading up to Amanda’s diagnosis, the heartbreak of losing her, and how their faith was tested in unimaginable ways. In 1985, they noticed Amanda was experiencing sickness—vomiting, headaches, and eventually struggling to walk. What seemed like minor symptoms led to a devastating discovery: a brain tumor. As they walked through grief, anger, and doubt, they encountered God’s presence in ways they never expected. Their story is one of sorrow, faith, and the unlikely survival of their marriage despite overwhelming loss. The full interview with Lee and Terry will be featured on the Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast on February 18th. Subscribe so you don't miss it! Apple or Spotify <span cla
Fri, February 07, 2025
Page 228: Riley Kehoe: Tsunami Survivor Learns to Choose Courage Over Fear
Riley Kehoe was 10 years old when her family’s island vacation turned into a nightmare. On the morning of December 26, 2004, an earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. Riley’s family had to run for their lives from a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet high. It was a terrifying experience that took the lives of more than 200,000 people. In the aftermath, fear threatened to rule Riley’s life. It would take years to understand the wounds she carried and even longer to find freedom from fear. Riley is the author of Three Seconds of Courage: How Small Acts of Bravery Lead to Big Change. You can follow Riley Kehoe on Instagram, at https://www.instagram.com/rileywithcourage/
Tue, February 04, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "For her, it was a confirmation: 'God sees me, God hears me, and God loves me.'" Melissa Milbourn
Melissa shares how one act of obedience became a powerful confirmation for someone desperate to know that God sees, hears, and loves her. Melissa stepped into a conversation with a woman and felt God’s presence in a way she couldn’t ignore. Then, God asked her to do something bold: tell a complete stranger, “I love you.” Fear and doubt held her back, but what happened next showed God’s perfect timing.
Fri, January 31, 2025
Page 227: Hope Reagan Harris: Now Over Next: Conquering the Fear of Missing Out
As a rising star at a Fortune 500 company, Hope Reagan Harris thrived on the thrill of getting the next promotion and pay raise. A bigger house, more expensive car, and international travel were all the stuff that was supposed to signify success and happiness . But after six years of climbing the corporate ladder at a dizzying pace, Hope realized she’d been so determined to move ahead, she didn’t recognize her heart and soul were getting left behind . Hope is the author of Now Over Next: Conquering the Fear of Missing Out and the founder of Purpose Doesn’t Pause , a movement to offer encouragement to women through handwritten cards.
Tue, January 28, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "You’re going to go climb Mount Kilimanjaro and raise awareness." Averil Shadd
In the Bible, mountaintops symbolize moments of spiritual clarity, renewal, and connection with God. For Averil Shadd, a new widow navigating the profound grief of her darkest valley, the mountaintop became more than a metaphor. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, not just to find healing but to offer hope to others walking through the shadows of loss. As Averil explains, "I wanted to do something that would stretch me so far that I would embrace suffering, so they would know someone could see them and love them." In this episode, she shares how her faith and determination turned her despair into a mission of love and purpose. Note: Averil first shared her story on the podcast A Widow’s Heart , hosted by Pam Lundell (Episode 32). Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify
Fri, January 24, 2025
Page 226: Chris Baker: How the Founder of Ink180 Found New Life in Christ
Chris Baker has devoted his life to helping people walk out the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! ” As the founder of Ink 180 , Chris has given away more than two million dollars' worth of free tattoos . Not just any tattoos- these are tattoo cover-ups and removals for people who are making a change in their life, like former gang members, sex trafficking survivors, or domestic violence survivors . He takes something that was a mark of shame and fear and transforms it into something beautiful . https://www.instagram.com/ink180boss/ <span class= "NormalTextRun SCXW72198562 BCX0" data-cc
Tue, January 21, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "...more than many sparrows." Derek Mason
Despite achieving material success, Derek Mason found himself consumed by emptiness and despair—so much so that he considered taking his own life. In a moment of desperate prayer, an unexpected encounter with sparrows led him to Matthew 10:29–31, revealing that he was profoundly seen and cherished by God. This pivotal sign brought radical transformation, shifting Derek’s life from hopelessness to a renewed sense of purpose. His story reminds us that, even at our lowest, God’s love has the power to bring hope and meaning. Hear Derek on episode 100 of the Manly with Andy podcast on Apple or Spotify . Or learn more about Derek's book, Embracing Our Full Victory in Christ: The Journey from Darkness to Light .
Fri, January 17, 2025
Page 225: Bob Goff: Catching Whimsy and the Adventure of Loving Like Jesus
Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob’s story will inspire you . Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book Love Does , because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then , he’s written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them . Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder . In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visit i ng the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein . His new book i s Catching Wh imsy <span class="TextRun SCXW95737748 BCX0" lang="EN
Tue, January 14, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "You're gonna sing for me." Megan Woods shares about God's truth with Rick and McKenna from The Morning Focus podcast
Rick and McKenna bring us the story of Megan Woods. At a crucial moment in Megan's life, God's word came to life for her, and a call to sing for Him seemingly came out of nowhere. Here's the full episode on Apple or Spotify , where you can subscribe to The Morning Focus with Rick and McKenna for daily encouragement in God's Word!
Fri, January 10, 2025
Page 224: Jaren and Jade LaGore: The Band Jaren
When you wait for years for an answer to prayer it’s easy to get discouraged. The Band Jaren is fronted by two sisters, Jaren - lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, and Jade- who sings and plays electric violin. These super-talented young women started playing music before they started school. Now, at ages 20 and 19, they have an unusual clarity about the call on their lives. Their passion is to play music that brings wandering hearts to Jesus. It’s a prayer their mom, Sonya, has been praying for decades. Answers to those prayers have come in the most surprising ways. Show Notes: https://www.instagram.com/thebandjaren/ https://www.youtube.com/@thebandjaren
Tue, January 07, 2025
Unfolding Short Stories: "And that's what happened this past Christmas." John Karakian invites hundreds to church
An update from John Karakian, who was featured on Page 45 of The Unfolding. John's Unfolding episode on Apple John's Unfolding episode on Spotify John Karakian from Novi, Michigan, discovered an unexpected way to share his faith—through the legacy of his late chocolate lab, Buddy. Even years after Buddy’s passing, John’s simple acts of kindness—like calling people by name and treating them with genuine warmth—have opened countless hearts to the gospel. This past Christmas, his church entrusted him with 500 tickets for their production, and within 27 days, every single one was gone.
Fri, January 03, 2025
Page 155: Tarn Cross: God Designed Us for Adventure
Tarn Cross believes God has hard-wired us for adventure. When Tarn and her husband Matt had a young family in Australia, they began to grow restless. Their church experience seemed more like dry religion than a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. That’s when God led them to their first mission experience in Uganda. Within days of arriving, they realized what they thought would be an adventure was actually going to require radical faith and trust. Today Tarn is a leader who has traveled the world speaking and helping people discover their God-given identity and purpose.
Tue, December 31, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "..a planet where diamonds rain down.." Christina Hannan's provision story, plus an invitation to "Praying Through Scripture"
Are you looking to grow your prayer life in the new year? Join Christina Hannan on her podcast, and discover a new rich prayer life in Praying Through Scripture . PTS on Apple Podcasts PTS on Spotify This week on Unfolding Short Stories, Christina Hannan shares what she learned teaching science to her kids as a homeschool mom. A planet that rains DIAMONDS! The God who can make a planet rain diamonds, is also the God who cares for our needs.
Tue, December 24, 2024
Unfolding Short Angel Story: "...there’s no way they could have reached him." Renee Stains
Renee Stains recounts a harrowing moment while teaching her young son Andrew to ski. After a mishap on a ski lift, Andrew was left dangling dangerously high above the ground, with no immediate help in sight. In a desperate and chaotic situation, two snowboarders appeared seemingly out of nowhere, skillfully unbuckled Andrew’s harness, and safely brought him down. When Renee turned to thank them, they had vanished without a trace.
Fri, December 20, 2024
Page 223: Angels: Stories of Supernatural Encounters
The Christmas story is filled with angelic encounters. But are angels still active today? Psalm 91:11 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” For many, that verse has come to life. People from all walks of life share their stories of seemingly supernatural encounters on earth in this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding. IT’s one of our most-downloaded episodes of the year! Thanks to Tim Hoerr, Tina Zimmerman, David Egli, Debra Wiese, and Bryan Crum for sharing these life-changing stories! Links to previous Angel Story episodes: https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-31-angels/ <div class="OutlineEleme
Tue, December 17, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "The dream had no expiration date.” Jim Egli shares about becoming a missionary to West Africa
"The dream had no expiration date.” In this episode, Jim shares how a dream led him to plant churches outside the walls of a mega-church—and how a trip to the world’s largest basilica in Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that God was just getting started. ‘I was comfortable, like Bilbo in The Hobbit…but God had other plans.’ Hear how one vivid dream fueled over a decade of ministry and u ltimately redirected Jim to West Africa.”
Fri, December 13, 2024
Page 222: Michael Ritchason: From Struggle to Strength- the Power of Surrender
Michael Ritchason grew up feeling like he was on the losing end of the comparison game . Insecurity drove him to chase affirmation and attention. It worked for a time, but then his girlfriend left, his cool car crashed , and the rest of his world seemed to be falling apart . Soon Michael was falling apart, too. Discouragement led to disconnection, and that led to depression. One night, he began to believe the lie that he was utterly alone. Then God, the One called Immanuel – God with us, did something supernatural . It was a reminder that Michael wasn’t alone, and God had plans and a purpose for him . Michael is the lead pastor at Riverside Community Church , a multi-cultural, multi-generational, and multi-socioeconomic church in the heart of Peoria, Illinois . Follow Michael on YouTube and Instagram. To hear <a href= "http
Tue, December 10, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: “Call your father and hurry.” Mark Winter finds reconciliation
What began as a simple prayer meeting led to deep healing and reconciliation. As Mark wrestled with years of hurt, God’s voice broke through, impressing these urgent words on his heart: “Call your father and hurry.” That phone call, made just three hours before his father’s passing, became a moment of profound restoration. This story is a reminder of God’s relentless pursuit and perfect timing to heal what’s broken. Also, Mark wrote a book called J ust One Word: A Collection of Advent Devotionals , if you're looking for new ways to connect with Jesus this Christmas.
Fri, December 06, 2024
Page 221: Barry and Gina Copeland: Finding Hope When Your Loved One is Addicted
Barry and Gina Copeland have learned when it comes to addiction, desperation is a good thing. That’s when you finally realize Jesus is your only hope. Barry and Gina have followed Jesus and worked in ministry for years , and yet their son struggled with addiction for more than a decade. They tried everything they knew to “fix” the problem . In the process, they lost their joy, their dreams, and lived in chaos . Then God used powerful experiences to teach them their son’s addiction was not their fault, and they couldn’t fix him . Th ey changed how they prayed and demonstrated God’s love to their son . Today Barry and Gina help those who have loved ones trapped in addiction through the ministry of Finding Hope , a part of Hope Is Alive , an organization that exists to radically change the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics and those who love them.
Tue, December 03, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "It was August 23rd, that exact same day...it gives me chills to even talk about it now" - Megan Nilsen reflects on her family's adoption journey
After years of questioning if adoption was right for her family, Megan Nilsen felt a clear leading from God to pray, fast, and search His Word. Her 'yes' to adoption opened the door to both immense challenges and undeniable moments of God’s presence, teaching her about love, grace, and identity in Christ. Megan is also the author of the Advent devotional Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, designed to help readers reconnect with God’s peace during the holiday season. Learn more at meganbnilsen.com/untangled-advent .
Fri, November 29, 2024
Page 133: Terry Wildman: The Story of the First Nations Version of the Bible
Terry Wildman didn’t grow up immersed in the history and culture of his First Nations ancestors . But after he met Jesus, his heart for Indigenous Americans grew . As he learned more about the painful history of Native North Americans and the Church, he struggled with questions. But through that struggle he felt a call to translate the Bible following the tradition of Native storytellers. The First Nations Version of the New Testament has sold more than 80,000 copies, bringing hope and healing to many . IVPress.com https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Chosen-One-Terry-Wildman/dp/0984770623
Tue, November 26, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "In everything, give thanks." Rhonda Stoppe During Her Son's Severe Epilepsy
"In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." These words from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 came to mind for Rhonda at her breaking point as her son battled severe epilepsy. Through heartbreak and surrender, she discovered how God brought purpose and beauty even in the hardest moments.
Fri, November 22, 2024
Page 220: Dallas Jenkins: The Story Behind The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
For years, Dallas Jenkins had a weekly notification on his phone, “Pray for Pageant.” Dallas is the creator and director of The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus . Twenty years ago, Dallas read a beloved children’s novel called, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and fell in love with it . He just knew he was meant to make that book into a movie . It wasn’t just a hope or a dream . To Dallas, it felt like a calling . But over and over, for years, Dallas was told “no.” There simply seemed to be no way . This is a story about praying, waiting, and following God's direction, even when there seems to be no hope. BestChristmasPageantEver.movie TheChosen.TV
Thu, November 21, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "...your tears don’t fall on the ground—God holds them.” Mey Deras
Mey Deras' story is about overcoming—surviving childhood abuse, losing her mother, navigating her daughter’s life-threatening health crisis, and enduring immigration struggles. Through it all, she’s seen God’s faithfulness in remarkable ways. Now a biblical counselor, Mey helps others find hope and healing. She also invites listeners to her free virtual event (Nov. 22-24), Comforted by His Love, where women can learn practical tools to experience God’s comfort and strength. You can register for Mey’s event here .
Tue, November 19, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "Come back before winter" - Deitrich Bonhoeffer asks God what to do, as told by Christian Historian Joe Thomas
Christian historian Joe Thomas shares the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's struggle to discern God's will during a critical moment in history. As World War II loomed, Bonhoeffer faced a life-altering decision: remain safely in America or return to Nazi Germany to stand with his church. Discover how a simple Bible verse, “Come before winter,” became a divine call that shaped his courageous path. Do you have a story where you needed to hear from God in a critical moment? Tell us about it when you click the green microphone button at WowGod.com . Here's a link to Joe's podcast if you want to go deeper into the life of Deitrich Bonhoeffer: Wayfinding Podcast
Fri, November 15, 2024
Page 219: Raechel Myers: She Reads Truth and the Sustaining Power of God's Word
Raechel Myers grew up surrounded by God’s word . At home, school, and church she was learning about the truth of God’s great big story. A s a young adult , Raechel and her husband walked through unimaginable grief. The Bible became both a refuge and a lifeline. That season of sorrow shaped her perspective on God's faithfulness, the beauty of community, and the truth that God's Word meets us in the darkest moments. Raechel Myers is the co-founder and CEO of She Reads Truth , a dynamic community of women dedicated to connecting with God through Scripture . Raechel’s experience with the power of God’s word turned into a passion for helping women engage with the Bible . It has transformed the way thousands around the world experience God’s truth . This story includes discussion of pregnancy loss. Show notes: ShopSheReadsTruth.com <p class="
Tue, November 12, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: “That’s not my twenty.” God Provides for Mary Lou
In 2010, newly single and struggling to put food on the table for her son, Mary Lou experienced God's extraordinary provision. From finding perfect grocery coupons at just the right time to witnessing a miracle harvest from an unexpected plum tree, God showed up in powerful ways. Even as she considered becoming a prepper, God demonstrated His ability to provide instant financial blessings, teaching her to trust Him completely. Through it all, Mary Lou learned that God is the ultimate provider, and he can provide, whether it's big or small, to meet our needs.
Fri, November 08, 2024
Page 218: Faith Eury Cho: How the Wilderness Helps Us Experience Friendship with God
In times of joy, thankfulness comes easy . But if you are in a place where you’ve been crushed by circumstances beyond your control, it’s much harder to feel grateful. Faith Eury Cho has been there- those seasons where it feels like you are in the wilderness and your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling . She’s walked through enough to know that the journey is about so much more than simply getting to the Promised Land. Faith Eury Cho has been a gospel preacher since she was 19. She is a co-pastor with her husband David of Mosaic Covenant Church of NJ. She is the author of Experiencing Friendship with God: How the Wilderness Draws Us to His Presence . You can learn more about her at FaithEuryCho.com . <div class="O
Tue, November 05, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I was throwing away decks of tarot cards..." Makenzie Weatherford
"I was throwing away decks of tarot cards...and I realized my life is changed forever. It had to be all about Jesus. That stuff was destroying me. Only Jesus could truly set me free from the darkness I had welcomed." The Bible talks about sins that can feel mysterious or confusing—like its warnings about witchcraft. Are practices like astrology, crystals, and tarot cards truly dangerous, or just harmless explorations? In this episode, Mackenzie Weatherford shares her story of growing up in a Christian home, only to drift into astrology and fortune-telling after a painful breakup. As she ventured deeper, she encountered a darkness that left her shaken, leading her to throw away the items connected to her past and reclaim the peace found only in Jesus. Mackenzie’s journey is a powerful reminder that God’s love remains steadfast, even when we stray. Have you ever strayed from your faith and felt God calling you back? If so, we want to hear your story! Use this link to click the green microphone button and share how God transformed your life.
Fri, November 01, 2024
Page 217:Jep and Jessica Robertson: Duck Dynasty Family’s Journey of Faith and Adoption
When Jessica Robertson first raised the question of adopting a child, her husband Jep wasn’t on board. They already had busy lives with four children and filming their extended family’s hit reality series, Duck Dynasty. But after a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, Jep’s heart was changed. Since bringing home Jules Augustus Robertson, their family has experienced the joys and challenges of adoption, including overcoming sensory issues and questions about race. Through it all, the Robertsons have found strength in their faith. Jep and Jessica are the authors of Dear Valor , a children’s book about adoption and are featured on the reality TV series, D uck Family Treasure. Learn more about "All God's Children". Share your story about Angels, or any other Wow God moment you've experienced when you click the green microphone button.
Tue, October 29, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "God, I want to be like that tree" Joni Rosebrock
Joni Rosebrock shares how, in the midst of depression, a comment from her husband led her into deeper intimacy with God. She fell in love with God’s Word, immersing herself in scripture in a way that transformed her life and strengthened her faith. From this journey, she believes God led her to what she calls the WRAP method: Write, Read, Apply, and Pray—a powerful practice that brought healing and renewed purpose while reading God's word. Now, Joni leads others into this getting deeper into God's word. Joni wrote a book , and also has a podcast , all about how WRAP can deepen your own walk with God.
Fri, October 25, 2024
Page 216: Rachel Wojo: Desperate Prayers, the Powerful Pathway to Peace
In the hardest moments of life, do you ever wonder if God is listening to your cries for help? When you are feeling hopeless, what do you say to God ? Rachel Wojo understands what it’s like to pray without receiving the answers you’re longing for. Five years into her marriage, she learned her pastor husband had been having a long-term affair . S he then learned her daughter had a devastating diagnosis that would likely cut her life short. In these anguished moments, Rachel’s faith shifted. She was changed from a girl who checked boxes of religious activity, to one who was desperately crying for help from a God who hears. The answers she received were even greater than what she’d hoped for . Rachel Wojo is a speaker, podcaster, and the author of Desperate Prayers . She writes <span class= "NormalTextRun ContextualSpel
Tue, October 22, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories - God Out Loud - “You will go look for that boy tomorrow.” - Tim Halfin
Tim Halfin heard that a local boy had gone missing for 3 days. As he started to pray, he heard God say, “You will go look for that boy tomorrow.” Today, we're sharing an amazing story presented by the "God Out Loud" podcast. To hear the rest of this episode, fast forward about 20 minutes on the God Out Loud Podcast. Here it is on Apple: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin Here it is on Spotify: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin Hey, if you have a story where you felt like God told you to do something specific, kind of like what happened with Tim's story, would you share it with us on the green microphone button ? https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/?t=1729289102476
Fri, October 18, 2024
Page 215: Riley Clemmons: Embracing Authenticity and Finding Identity in Jesus
Nashville-native Riley Clemmons was “discovered” at a school pageant when she was 13 years old. She signed a record deal 2 years later and started writing songs, touring, and facing the challenges of the music industry. She has been open about her struggles including OCD, imposter syndrome, and dealing with the pressures of social media. By the time she was 21, Riley realized she’d been attaching her self-worth to the success or failure of every song, and it was exhausting. Facing burnout, Riley made the decision to step away from her career to reconnect with her faith and identity God. Through therapy, prayer, and the support of loved ones, she rediscovered the true meaning of worth and authenticity and found a new passion for music. For more on Riley’s music, visit RileyClemmons.com
Tue, October 15, 2024
Page 162: Scott Hamilton: Olympic Champion and Cancer Survivor on Trusting God
Scott Hamilton is one of the most recognized male figure skating stars in the world, winning four World Championships and Olympic gold in 1984 . He is a three-time cancer survivor, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, and more . Scott says failure is the thing that has fueled much of his success. God used the challenge of Scott’s journey with cancer to get his attention and to grab his heart .
Tue, October 15, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "Mom was number one in the world in tennis." Cindy Brinker Simmons
Cindy Brinker Simmons opens up about her journey through grief, and not staying stuck in it. Losing her mother, tennis legend Maureen Connolly, to cancer at a young age, Cindy thought God hated her, but eventually found that God loved her deeply. She shares how this profound spiritual transformation gave her strength to face further hardships, including her husband’s cancer battle. Cindy emphasizes the importance of choosing joy amidst adversity, building supportive relationships, and turning grief into purpose. As the founder of Wipe Out Kids Cancer , Cindy reflects on how her trials sharpened her focus on helping others, reminding us that even in life’s darkest moments, we can find restoration and hope. In her book, Restored: Reconnecting Life's Broken Pieces , she explores how God uses trials to refine us for a greater purpose.
Tue, October 08, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "...this jazz-playing cow." John Lumgair talks about art and his animation project
John Lumgair is a director at http://QuirkyMotion.com, where he makes animation and illustrations to spark thoughts, laughter and imagination. John is an artist in the world, but not of it. John is a storyteller and digital animator on a project called "Jazz Cow". Though "Jazz Cow" is not a Christian show, it has many Christians on the project, and speaks to things inherent to the experience of God's creation, encouraging us to go against the algorithm of life brought on by "technocratic leaders". John talks about what it's like to feel a calling to be an artist. Maybe you feel a calling to be used by God in the world of art. Maybe God is using you already in the art world. If so, consider sharing your story here. Just click the green microphone button. Click to learn more about John and his team's project called "Jazz Cow".
Fri, October 04, 2024
Page 214: Donna Winship: Understanding Your True Kingdom Identity
When you live in some of the most difficult conflict zones on earth, it helps to have a peace that surpasses understanding . Donna Winship and her husband Jamie spent more than 25 years living in places like Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan and Israel . Those hard years forged an understanding of God’s love and forgiveness that transformed Donna’s life . Along the way, Donna discovered principles of the Kingdom of God that brought peace and freedom – even when living in a culture of war, terrorism, conflict and death . Donna and Jamie are co-founders of Identity Exchange. Jamie is the author of Living Fearless. Learn more about their free resource, Finding Hope in Depression at Identity Exchange.com Donna's husband Jamie Winship was featured on Page 168 of the Unfolding. Do you have a story to share based on hearing this story, or want to share how God has used it to encourage you. Click the link here , and use the green microphone button.
Tue, October 01, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I walked out a free woman" Kim Kidd becomes the first woman in Indiana to receive clemency
Kim Kidd shares her remarkable journey from addiction and despair to freedom and transformation through faith. Raised by a praying grandmother but lost in a life of drug dealing, Kim hit rock bottom when she faced a 50-year prison sentence. In that jail cell, she encountered God in a powerful way, witnessing miracles that sparked revival behind bars. Don’t miss this inspiring story of redemption, hope, and the faith that changed Kim’s life forever. To hear more stories of God ministering to people in prison, check out the latest episode of the "Wow God Stories" podcast, guest hosted by Rob Vischer. To hear Kim Kidd's full story on "The Unfolding", listen to "Page 17" on Apple or Spotify. Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify To share your own Wow God Story with us, click on the green microphone button here.
Fri, September 27, 2024
Page 213: Chad Staerkel: Skydiving Missionary on the Adventure of Trusting God
When Chad Staerkel was young, he was rebellious, wild and crazy. He was the kid who was always jumping off the garage, riding fast motorcycles, and dreaming about flying F 16’s. He seemed to have no fear. When Chad’s spirit of adventure was combined with complete trust in God, he realized the sky is the limit. As a professional skydiver, Chad has jumped out of an airplane more than 11,000 times. Beyond skydiving, Chad has been willing to take risks to follow God wherever He leads. What he has witnessed has only made him more confident in Jesus. Does fear keep you from following God? Chad’s story just might inspire you to take a leap of faith and embrace the adventure of following God. Chad is the author of Doctrines of Gra ce .
Tue, September 24, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "..all your ways, acknowledge.." Daniel Maritz trusts God step by step
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Daniel Maritz shares the powerful story of his own faith journey, and following in the faith footsteps of his father. Through personal losses and life's trials, Daniel learns to fully surrender and trust in God's plan. Ultimately, God leads Daniel from a career in modeling to the creation of a global online ministry.
Fri, September 20, 2024
Page 212: Andrea Mercier: Mother of Son with Autism Learns to Trust God is Good
Why? It is a question that has wrecked the faith of many . Why would God allow this? Why didn’t God intervene? Why didn’t He answer our prayers ? Andrea Mercier is very familiar with the question “Why, God?” After years of infertility, Andrea and her husband experienced the joy of getting pregnant and then giving birth to their son, Gabriel . Then they noticed Gabriel’s development was delayed. He was eventually diagnosed with autism and a rare, genetic condition that gradually robbed his abilities . It was heart-crushing . And yet, Andrea has come to a place of deep, deep intimacy with God . If you are struggling to reconcile a good God with hard circumstances, Andrea’s story will encourage you . Andrea is a pastor, speaker, and the author of Oliver’s Extraordinary Friend: A Boy’s Journey of Embracing Autism.
Tue, September 17, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "Can anything good come from Rhode Island?" William Winfield goes from homeless to hope bringer
"Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Yes, it can." William Winfield shares how his faith in Christ transformed his life from homelessness to hope and purpose. Reflecting on his journey, William reminds us that the greatest tragedy in life isn't death, but living without purpose. Hear how God has used William in key moments of a few men's lives, and how his Christlike compassion to them at just the right moment gave them much-needed hope and a lasting life change.
Fri, September 13, 2024
Page 211: Jermaine Wilson: From Prison to Politics, Former Inmate Becomes Mayor
God is all about transformation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God loves second chances. Jermaine Wilson had spent four years in prison by the time he was 19. His dad had been to prison. His brother had been to prison, and his sister had been to prison. Jermaine’s search for love led him to earn acceptance through criminal activity and gang involvement. But it was a trap. He wanted a different life yet there seemed to be no way out. How does a gang member, drug dealer and prison inmate become the mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas? That’s the incredible God-story of Jermaine Wilson. Today, Jermaine is the mission ambassador for Prison Fellowship.
Tue, September 10, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: " I pray that you'll choose to surrender." Tony Burkebyle reflects on ministering to men in prison
Tony Burkeybyle knows what it is to be a broken man. He also knows what it is to live a surrendered life. Tony now volunteers in prisons, guiding men to forgiveness and a life rooted in God's grace. In this episode, Tony shares how his son's imprisonment led him to minister to men at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, pointing them toward the freedom and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Fri, September 06, 2024
Page 210: Katie Campbell: 30A Prays and a Free-Fall of Faith
Katie Campell has always had a passion to pray for people . A few years ago, she began to sense God was asking her to follow him to a place she didn’t yet know and for a ministry that wasn’t yet clear. To most people, that sounds crazy. Why would you pack up your family, move 2500 miles to a place where you knew no one, for a ministry that didn’t even exist ? This is the story behind 30A Prays, a ministry on the beaches of County Road 30A which spans the Gulf Coast of Florida roughly between Destin and Panama City. Since March of 2023, 30A Prays has prayed for and shared the Gospel with thousands of Gen-Z students from across the U.S. God is moving among Gen Z on the beaches of 30A, and it began with a free fall of faith.
Tue, September 03, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "Shalom is coming" Jerry Thomason's journey with cancer
Jerry Thomason shares his personal journey as a cancer patient, revealing how his faith in God has been his anchor through unexpected challenges. Amidst his diagnosis, Jerry's reflections on reshaped priorities, strengthened beliefs, and the impact on those around him offer powerful insights. Jerry's story highlights the blessings and lessons found even in the darkest times. Meridith wants to hear your story. If you have a smartphone, USB microphone, or other way to record your voice, use this link and click the green microphone button, as we're looking for more Wow God Stories to share with our podcast listeners.
Fri, August 30, 2024
Page 209: Bryan Crum: Former Hospice Chaplain Shares Lessons from the End of Life
Bryan Crum spent a decade serving as a hospice chaplain, helping people walk through their final days . After listening to hundreds of life stories, he realized too many of us carry regret and fail to recognize just how much God values us . Hospice work changed Bryan’s life and his perspective on priorities . Through the stories of people like Ms. Ruth and Mr. Harold, Bryan learned the power of our words, the deadly impact of doubt, and why we all can trust that God loves us deeply. Bryan is the author of Neighbor, Love Yourself: Discover Your Value, Live Your Worth.
Tue, August 27, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "The Lord doesn't waste anything." Amelia Tabatt
"In the midst of your pain... you really get to experience a side of the Father that you don't really see in heaven." Amelia Tabatt shares her deeply personal story of her mother's 18-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer, the challenges, the faith, and finding hope amid the struggle and loss.
Fri, August 23, 2024
Page 208: Katie Miller: Beauty from Ashes- the story of Sight and Sound Theater
Isaiah 61:3 describes how God comforts those who are mourning. It says He will take our ashes of grief and trade them for a crown of beauty. Katie Miller has grown up in a family that has watched God take situations that seemed impossible, sometimes literally standing in ashes, and make something so beautiful that millions of people w itness it today . I f y ou’ve been to Lancaster, Pennsylvania or Branson, Missouri, m aybe y ou’ve visited Sight and Sound theater to see one of their astounding productions where stories from scripture come to life. More than 3 0 million people have been inspired by the stories of Noah, Daniel, Queen Esther and more. Since Sight and Sound’s humble beginning in 1976, God has taken some of most devastating circumstances along the way and turned them for good.
Tue, August 20, 2024
Wow God Stories: Susie Larson - Right Where God Wants Me
God knows what we don’t, and can see what we can’t. Susie Larson shares about those moments when God leads you to the right place at the right time. The times when the Lord has directed your steps and brought you to where you needed to go. Hear how others have been in the exact spot where God wanted them on this episode of Wow God Stories.
Fri, August 16, 2024
Page 207: Tracie Miles: From Fear to Faith -Healing from Divorce and Discovering Purpose
When Tracie Miles’ marriage of 25 years imploded, it felt like the train of life had slammed into a brick wall . Almost overnight she went from financially stable to desperately broke, from a family of five to a single mom of three . Tracie describes that season as a “ lifequake ”- an earthquake that shook and changed every part of her life . She became stuck, overwhelmed by countless fears. There seemed to be no way to move forward and no hope that she could every feel joy again. She couldn’t imagine how God would make beauty from these ashes . Tracie Miles is a bestselling author, director of COMPEL Pro Writers Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries, and the founder of the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery program .
Fri, August 09, 2024
Page 206: Elizabeth Moore: Navigating Doubt and the Power of Honest Prayers
Sometimes seasons of doubt can come unexpectedly . When Elizabeth Moore followed her dream to New York, she found herself surrounded by people who didn’t believe what she had always believed and some who were antagonistic toward God. She began struggling under the weight of questions and doubts. She could never have imagined that she would emerge from this season more certain of her faith and grateful for the struggle . Elizabeth is the co-author of Liturgies for Hope and Liturgies for Wholeness , books of honest prayers and scripture to help you through the highs and lows of life.
Tue, August 06, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: " I was a scaredy cat..." Trudy Feyereisen loses her husband Johnny from brain cancer
Trudy Feyereisen recounts her journey from being a 'scaredy cat' afraid of trials to becoming a witness of God's unwavering faithfulness through her husband's battle with brain cancer. Throughout this ordeal, she shares how her faith deepened, supported by scripture, prayer, and Christian community. Despite immense challenges, including her husband's personality changes and eventual passing, she found solace in God's presence and the body of Christ. Hear about her enduring faith in God's promises and the strength she drew from her favorite scripture and worship songs.
Fri, August 02, 2024
Page 205: Jason Carver: Bringing Dead Marriages Back to Life
One Sunday morning Pastor Jason Carver gave his wife and kids a kiss and headed out the door early for church. When he came home, they were gone. Thirty days later, the divorce papers arrived. It was the beginning of a two-year journey. Jason wrestled with God and learned to surrender to Him. Despite the circumstances, Jason had hope- something he calls a “supernatural stubbornness” to stand on the promises of God. But the divorce still went through. His wife was still with someone else. Could the God of resurrection bring a dead marriage back to life?
Tue, July 30, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "He came and got me." Ryan Graves
Ryan Graves thought he was a Christian, but a near-death experience and over a year of hospital stays due to alcohol abuse, was the wake-up call that led him on a new path of passion for Jesus. Now, Ryan shares his journey of end-stage liver disease and the Good News of the Gospel with anyone who will listen. You can learn more about Ryan's journey at his website. https://thesoultrek.com/
Fri, July 26, 2024
Page 204: Jason Lomelino: Faith, Free Burgers, and the Power of God’s Love
Growing up in an alcoholic home, Jason Lomelino just wanted to find peace . He was confident religion wasn’t the answer and spent his days partying and drinking . But then one night he was “ambushed by the love of God” and all he wanted to do was tell people about Jesus . That’s when Jason got a crazy idea . Why not go into the darkest place he knew – the hard-partying streets of Isla Vista, California, and have a barbecue ? That first night turned into more than twenty years, thousands of free burgers, and countless lives changed through the ministry of Jesus Burgers.
Tue, July 23, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I want to learn to walk with my dog" Tina Zimmerman shares about training a service dog for Gary Miracle
When Tina Zimmerman heard and saw the story of Gary Miracle, a man who suddenly lost all four limbs, she wanted to use her unique gifting to help him. Tina trains service dogs for people with disabilities. At first, she thought she might be able to get this done through an organization that she's a part of, which is involved in creating service dogs for wounded veterans. But Gary was not a veteran. After a short period of wrestling. She knew that God was calling her to donate her time and resources to change Gary's life for the better. ECMO, Gary's dog, has not only been the physical help that Gary has needed, but he's also been a needed companion through difficult times.
Fri, July 19, 2024
Page 203: Rachael Lampa: Stepping Away from the Stage, Rediscovering Faith & Music
In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the personal faith journey of singer/songwriter Rachael Lampa . Rachael tells the story of her early rise to fame, the pressures and imposter syndrome she faced, and her courageous decision to step away from the spotlight at 21. Through this season, she found a renewed connection with her faith and redefined her identity outside of music. Now, she's back with a new perspective on life, love, and God. Rachael Lampa is known for inspiring songs like “Somebody to You,” and “Perfectly Loved.” Join us as Rachael shares her struggles, triumphs, and the beautiful moments that have shaped her journey .
Tue, July 16, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "He can run, and walk, and dance..." Kristy Heilman
Kristy Heilman and her husband both felt a call from God to move to Iowa. But why? Well, this is one of those stories where we celebrate the providence of God's blessing after the obedience of his children. Later, when Kristy's son Austin was born with bilateral clubfoot, they learned they were a mere 90 minutes away from one of the leading world experts on the matter, and the path the healing was a short trip during a difficult season of their family's life. Hear Kristy share how God healed Austin, and why she says "Wow, God!"
Fri, July 12, 2024
Page 164: Jon Reddick: Singer/Songwriter on Pursuing Purpose and Trusting God’s Timing
Jon Reddick is a singer and worship leader who writes songs of hope and healing, like “God, Turn It Around” and “I Believe It.” There was a time when the hurts and hard parts of life left him questioning, is God’s plan always good ? Would the dreams planted in Jon’s heart ever really happen ? He seriously considered leaving music behind . But God used encounters with two strangers to affirm Jon’s purpose and change his life .
Tue, July 09, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "What's he doing alive?" Susie Larson
Susie Larson shares a story where it felt like God was absent, or "lost" her "address". Through sickness with her very young kids, her own journey with Lyme disease, she realized that God had not turned her back on her, but rather He used these trials so He could say "Yes" to her son Jordan's life. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10)
Fri, July 05, 2024
Page 154: Amanda Bible Williams: She Reads Truth Co-founder Finds Comfort Through Son’s Medical Journey
As co-founder of She Reads Truth, Amanda Bible Williams has helped women around the world read God’s Word every day . She believes in the power of the Bible to transform lives and to sustain during difficult times . A few years after launching She Reads Truth, Amanda and her husband David began the process of adopting their son Toby, who was born with a heart defect . That journey has included both amazing miracles and exhausting suffering, and seeing how God is close through it all.
Tue, July 02, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "What's the reason you're returning this?" Andy Youso
Andy Youso's son wanted a bike. Andy was overjoyed at the prospect of his son playing less video games, getting out of the house, and making more memories with friends. But bikes being damaged by so-called friends and then stolen from strangers wasn't what either of them had envisioned. Hear how God answered a prayer, putting Andy at just the right place at the perfect time.
Fri, June 28, 2024
Page 156: Mark and JIll Savage: Healing Marriage After Infidelity
When there is deception in marriage, how can you rebuild trust? For more than 20 years Mark and Jill Savage had served in ministry; Mark as a pastor, and Jill as the founder and director of Hearts at Home, a ministry for moms. Their marriage had good seasons and hard seasons. But in what the Savages describe as their darkest year, they faced infidelity and were headed for divorce. How could the pieces of their shattered life be put together again? Today Mark and Jill are passionate about encouraging marriages and families. Jill is the host of the No more Perfect Podcast and has authored twelve books. Together Mark and Jill have authored two books and provide marriage coaching and resources at JillSavage.com. This episode contains adult content.
Tue, June 25, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "The way to reach my heart was through animals, again." Tina Zimmerman
In many ways, Tina Zimmerman's life revolves around animals. She trains dogs for service, has had her animals in movies, and even used to train horses. It is her career and passion. She and her husband even found themselves in Uganda using this passion to help train animals for local farmers. In their downtime on these mission trips, they loved to go on Safari trips, always in hopes of seeing lions. After the tragic passing of her husband, she went back to experience their shared passion at the one-year mark of his passing. God wowed her with a display of animals that felt like a miraculous display curated for her, showing her that God sees her, and cares for her.
Fri, June 21, 2024
Page 202: Joshua Broome: Adult Film Star to Pastor, Transformed by Truth
Content warning: This episode includes discussion of pornography, suicide, and the adult film industry . For as long as he could remember, Joshua Broome had wrestled with a feeling of emptiness. His quest for affirmation led him to excel in school, sports, modeling and acting. Every achievement was an attempt to fill the void. When a representative of the adult film industry offered a chance for fame and wealth, he took it. But after appearing in more than one thousand adult films and earning over a million dollars, he was profoundly depressed , filled with shame , and suicidal . Joshua’s journey from darkness to light began unexpectedly in a bank, where a simple act of kindness reminded him of his true identity . Today Joshua is a preacher, author and podcast host who dedicates his life to sharing the message of hope and love of Jesus.
Tue, June 18, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I felt like God was asking me to stop doing makeup." Nicole Richards
It felt like God's providence when the perfect studio opened up for Nicole Richards . But after 22 years of what felt like divine encounters and God's provision, there was a major shift and prompting from God to close up shop, quit makeup altogether, and trust God for the next chapter. Immediately after this, COVID lockdowns were worldwide and especially prominent where she lived in Canada.
Fri, June 14, 2024
Page 201: Stories of Fathers: Mark Schultz, Gina Copeland and Jeremy Rosado
In 1 John 3:1 it says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” God is our Father . Sometimes that can be challenging to comprehend . It’s easier to grasp when you’ve had a good relationship with your earthly dad . It can be more complicated if you r relationship is unhealthy or strained . This week on The Unfolding we are sharing three stories of fathers , from Mark Schulz, Gina Copeland and Jeremy Rosado . Each story gives a perspective of how God works healing in and through fathers, whether they are biological, adoptive, or those who simply choose to step into the role of dad .
Tue, June 11, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "..and that horse loves them" - Cathy White uses equine therapy
Cathy White has worked with horses for 14 years and uses equine therapy to help kids. In this story, she shares how God brought her and her husband Bob together and called them to a ministry through horses and helping children to overcome difficult life circumstances.
Fri, June 07, 2024
Page 200: Cait Taylor: God Works Even the Hardest Parts of our Story for Good
Cait Taylor believes God can take even the hardest parts of our stories and make something good. Cait was born in England to a single mom. From an early age she believed she was a mistake. For seven years she lived under the tyranny of an abusive stepfather. She focused all her energy on simply surviving. This led to an eating disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. By the time she was 17, she hit rock bottom. That’s when she was introduced to Jesus and the power of Romans 8:28 . Today, Cait is the founder of 828 Women, a Christian ministry that encourages women with Biblical truth, and the 828 with Cait podcast.
Tue, June 04, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "God, if it's your will, let it be done" Destiny Thomas
Destiny Thomas shares about the times God revealed Himself throughout her time of dealing with infertility.
Fri, May 31, 2024
Page 199: Heidi Lee Anderson: Facing Fear and Cancer & Trading Lies for Truth
In this world, you will have trouble . The question is, how will you respond ? The Bible says to count it all joy when you experience trials because it makes your faith strong . Heidi Lee Anderson was 23 years old when she faced the first real trial of her life . She was diagnosed with cancer . The prognosis, the side effects, the dire warnings about her future all threatened to take away her hope . She felt overwhelmed by fear . How could she count it all joy ? Heidi is the author of “P.S. It’s Going to Be Good,” and the host of the Trade a Lie for a Truth podcast.
Tue, May 28, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "...to saying yes to some crazy journey..." Stephen Price
Stephen and his wife, Anna, are missionaries to Mexico. As they embark on their 4th new mission to Mexico over 11 years, they've seen God show up in little ways, showing glimpses of the path of the journey that He has them on. Stephen shares in this episode some of the ways they've partnered with God in the everyday. _____________________________________________________________________ After listening to this episode, if you feel led to help Stephen and Anna with the purchase of their Guadalajara home, you can give here: https://pushpay.com/g/thevineyardchurchmissions Select 'Guadalajara Home - Prices' if you choose to give towards the matching fund.
Fri, May 24, 2024
Page 91: Kyle Swanson: Answered Prayers in Afghanistan
A special episode for Memorial Day . We often hear the phrase, “Pray for our troops.” During his time in Afghanistan, Capt. Kyle Swanson saw prayer change things- the weather, the course of a grenade, and so much more. When Kyle says prayer changes things, it’s not a trite phrase. It’s his real-life experience and his story will inspire you to believe YOUR prayers can change things too.
Tue, May 21, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I don't want to just survive this journey." Kayla Gahagan
Kayla Gahagan shares about the Radical Joy she discovered as she shifted her focus from being a career mom to a stay-at-home mom. After avoiding a near tragedy with a bathtub incident, she felt God's pull to go all-in. As a mom of four, she's sacrificed aspects of a career in journalism, laying down and surrendering, and somehow, God used her writing career in ways she never could have anticipated.
Thu, May 16, 2024
Page 198: Stephen McWhirter: “Come Jesus Come” Singer’s Transformation from Meth Addict to Worship Leader
Stephen McWhirter grew up watching his traveling evangelist dad live a double life . He was one man behind the pulpit and abusive to Stephen’s mother at home . Stephen decided that if God was real, He wasn’t good . His earthly father and his heavenly father became the villains in his story . Angry and rebellious, Stephen fell into addiction, eventually addicted to meth for six years. But one night in a miraculous encounter, Stephen experienced the presence and love of God, and he’s never been the same . Today Stephen is a worship leader and singer of “Come Jesus Come.” Nearly 40,000 people have come to know Jesus through his TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram lives.
Tue, May 14, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "She is the most amazing mom..." April Wilson
April Wilson is a morning show host on Christian radio in Waterloo, Iowa. In this episode, she shares two deeply personal stories intertwining addiction and motherhood. The first tale recounts April's own struggle with addiction, her journey to faith, and the life-saving gift she gave her mother through an organ donation. The second story shines a light on April's daughter's battle with addiction and the power of a mother's prayers in her recovery.
Fri, May 10, 2024
Page 197: Stories of Motherhood: Being Brave, Trusting God and Walking by Faith
Motherhood is a journey of faith that requires trusting God and fighting battles on behalf of children. In this episode, we are sharing the stories of three brave women who have cared for, advocated for, and fiercely loved children . Through the stories of Courtney Smallbone , Lana Vasquez, and Kathey Garrison, we see that mothers come in many forms – biological, foster/adoptive, and those who are ne ver formally recognized , but whose love has made all the difference in the life of a child .
Tue, May 07, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "...it's by my Spirit, says the Lord." - Jemimah Wright, on waiting for a husband
Jemimah Wright shares a story of finding her now husband, and God's faithfulness being evident throughout this narrative. It includes her dad, Instagram, her passion for journaling, and hearing God's voice.
Fri, May 03, 2024
Page 196: Ryan Senters: Dad of 11 Transforms Foster Kids’ Lives
Hanai is a Hawaiian term for “adopted” or “chosen” family and it is a really effective way to describe Ryan and Sara Senters . When Ryan was younger, he was all about chasing significance. But the n God gave him a heart for vulnerable kids . In their 17 years of marriage, Ryan and Sara have been parents to 11 kids- two biological and nine foster kids they have adopted . But their passion and willingness to trust God has led them on a wild journey of faith. Their story is so remarkable, People Magazine and CBS Morning News have featured stories about their family. Ryan and Sara never imagined they would be parents to 11 or help provide family for hundreds more, but once they heard God’s call on their lives, they could not look back. Ryan and Sara are the founders of Ohana, a foster care agency with 40 homes in Arizona and Hanai C offee, where kids aging out of the foster system find hope, j ob training and life skills.
Tue, April 30, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "Go deeper in Jesus and prioritize your family" - David Smallbone
David Smallbone is the father of Luke and Joel Smallbone (For King and Country) and Rebecca St. James. In today's short story, he shares about his family's journey from Australia to Nashville. After losing everything on a large Christian tour, David's family moved to the U.S. to pursue greater opportunities. But when they got there, they faced even more hardship, until they finally found provision in faith and community, through the generosity of a local church. From humble beginnings in Christian media in Australia to navigating rejection and setbacks in America, the Smallbones' story is one of resilience and perseverance. Now, their remarkable journey is chronicled in the inspiring new film "Unsung Hero," produced by David's sons Joel and Luke. Listen in as David encourages you to deepen your relationship with Jesus, prioritize family, and find hope in the face of adversity.
Fri, April 26, 2024
Page 159: Helen Smallbone: Mother of For King & Country and the Story behind Unsung Hero
Helen Smallbone and her husband David were living in Australia when hi s business unexpectedly collapsed . With six kids, they took an enormous leap of faith and moved to the United States with everything they had in 16 suitcases . Within a couple of months, David’s new job fell through . They were forced to live by faith and trust God in ways they never had before . Helen is the mother of Grammy-winning artists Rebecca St. James, and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King & Country, along with four other amazingly talented children . Before the success and accola d es, there was a long season of closed doors and lean years where she had to trust God . Their story is being told in a new movie, Unsung Hero.
Tue, April 23, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I drink from a well I didn't dig." Rebekah Albaugh
Rebekah Albaugh recounts the rich legacy of faith that precedes her, beginning with her grandparents, who first met at a Moody Bible Institute rally in the 1940s. This legacy continued with her parents, who remained steadfast in their devotion to Jesus until their final moments. Tragedy struck when Rebekah lost her father at the young age of 18, yet her mother never stopped praising God. Even as her mother battled cancer and endured suffering and memory loss, she recalled the hymns from her youth, and sang until her last days. This is why Rebekah says "I drink from a well I didn't dig."
Fri, April 19, 2024
Page 195: Christopher Cook: Healing What You Can’t Erase
True, lasting change is hard . When we are trying to change in our own strength, it can feel impossible. Christopher Cook is a pastor, leadership coach, podcast host, and author who is passionate about transformation . As a young man, he experienced great adversity that resulted in depression, anxiety, and panic attacks . For some people, those challenges could have resulted in losing faith in God . But God used those experiences to teach Christopher about true transformation . Christopher Cook is the host of the Win Today podcast and author of Healing What You Can’t Erase: Transform Your Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health from the Inside Out.
Tue, April 16, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "God won't let me go." Johnathon Eltrevoog
Johnathon Eltrevoog shares how God has remained faithful, even when he's felt undeserving or unworthy.
Fri, April 12, 2024
Page 194: Jenn Pooler: A Life-Changing Accident and Surrendering Control to God
Jenn Pooler had always tried to play by the rules . Like many of us, she believed if she did all the right things then God would protect her from bad things . For Jenn, it was about trying to be in control . When she was 17, she was in a bus accident that altered her life forever and left her angry. Why would God allow this bad thing to happen? She never imagined God could take something bad and use it to change her life for good.
Tue, April 09, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "...the dream; the twins!'" A story of adoption
Ally shares her and her family's journey of adding Grace (Baby Snow) to their family through an adoption in China. God provided, grew their family, and even gave Ally a dream that wowed her when it all came to pass.
Fri, April 05, 2024
Page 193: Abby Mingus: From Addiction & Torment to Freedom & Joy
Abby Mingus says torment is the best way to describe her mental state during decades of addiction . For years she was chasing the next high, driven by desperation to keep the feelings of torment at bay. During one of her lowest moments, she jumped off an overpass onto a busy interstate, trying to quiet her demons . At first, drugs helped her escape from fear, depression and loneliness . But what started as fun, soon became bondage. It stole years of her life . Now, Abby Mingus loves to tell her story . What seemed impossible was made possible . What was hopeless, became hopeful . Torment and addiction were changed to freedom and joy . A word of caution: Abby’s story includes domestic abuse, suicide, and other mature content.
Fri, March 29, 2024
Page 192: Andrew Ripp: Addiction, Desperation, and the One Who Saves
After Andrew Ripp’s family broke apart, he moved to California just to get away . His alcohol addiction eventually led to the destruction of every important relationship in his life . He had grown up in religion, but never had a relationship with a g od who could help . He was alone and desp e rate . But Andrew says even the broken and difficult things in life can be a blessing if they steer you toward the God who loves you . Today Andrew is a G rammy - nominated songwriter, known for songs like “ Jericho, ” and “ Fill My Cu p. ” He spends his days writing and singing about the O ne who saved him.
Tue, March 26, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "God, heal him, and increase my faith."
Alexandra Hope Craig courageously shares the journey she embarked on while navigating her husband John's brave battle with cancer, which ultimately ended in his passing.
Fri, March 22, 2024
Page 191: Christine D’Clario: Mental Health, Hope and Healing
By the time Christine D’Clario was a young girl, she had experienced more than her share of brokenness. She suffered sexual abuse, the death of her alcoholic father, her mother’s remarriage, moving from the only home she’d known in New York to Puerto Rico, and then bullying and re jection . By the time Christine was a teenager, she was angry with God . She couldn’t imagine He would take the broken pieces of her life and write a story that would become a source of hope for the nations. Today Christine is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and worship leader with millions of followers in Latin America and beyond . She has a passion to see those who struggl e with mental health experience the hope and healing of Jesus . ( This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse, postpartum depression, and suicidal ideation. )
Tue, March 19, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "...my middle son with a ten-year prison sentence."
Ken Guidroz is the author of "Letters to My Son in Prison". At one point, Ken was a pastor, and he never thought he'd have to worry about his kids ending up in serious trouble, let alone prison. After his middle son, leading a wayward life, became addicted to heroin, this led to a car crash resulting in the taking of another man's life. That led to a series of letters to his son in prison, a road for their own reconciliation, and a rebirth and strengthening of faith for both.
Fri, March 15, 2024
Page 190: Nikki Davis: Surrender and Trusting God with the Plan for My Life
Nikki Davis discovered her passion for Hip Hop radio when she was in college . She was good at it. She loved it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else . But a series of failed relationships and jobs that just didn’t satisfy made it clear, she was longing for more . Then she started growing in her relationship with Jesus . Her life and priorities changed . Nikki realized she couldn’t stay in a job where she was promoting negative things . But how could she walk away from the safety and security of a job she once thought she would do for the rest of her life ? Today Nikki shares Hip Hop and the hope of Jesus as the morning show co-host at Boost Radio.
Tue, March 12, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "...weakness is not something that we want as humans." - Karis Meier
Speaking on strength in weakness, Karis Meier lives with Lyme Disease. “So I know my story isn't over and it's not the fairy tale ending that I would hope for. But, I can see how God is working, and I know his promises won't fail me and that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because that is what He promises.”
Fri, March 08, 2024
Page 189: Molly Stillman: How Death, Debt, & Comedy Led to a Life of Faith
One hard event after another marked the childhood and early adult years of Molly Stillman. After serving as an army nurse in Vietnam, Molly’s mother was diagnosed with a fatal disease related to exposure to Agent Orange . At 21, Molly received an unexpected inheritance which she squandered in less than two years . Molly’s go-to coping mechanism was humor, so she masked her pain and depression with stand-up comedy and even pursued her dream of making it on Saturday Night Live . But instead of the success she was chasing, Molly ended up in debt and suffocating under gu ilt, shame, and embarrassment. Molly is a speaker and host of the Can I L au gh On Your Shoulder? Podcast, and author of If I Don’t La ugh, I’ll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For .
Tue, March 05, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "keep on praying" (Sally's Dad Accepts Jesus)
Sally Tuxhorn’s Dad rejected Jesus for 85 years, but 9 hours before passing, he accepted Him. Sally praises God for this miraculous change. Sally is a children’s pastor at Trinity Nazarene in Illinois .
Fri, March 01, 2024
Archive Page 18: Samuel Worden: A Barrier Between Him and Jesus
When Samuel Worden was 14 his life tragically changed in an instant. It devastated his family and his faith. Why would a good God allow this kind of pain? The hurt, sadness, and anger seemed like an impossible barrier between him and Jesus. But when he desperately needed a father’s love, Samuel had an encounter that changed him forever.
Tue, February 27, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I'm sorry about everything that happened.." (Bill Sammons starts a Christian radio station)
Bill Sammons wanted to start a Christian radio station, but there was a lot of opposition in his Delaware town. So much so, that Bill was attacked by a man named Spyro. He was beaten and thought he was going to die. That's not the end of the story, though. Through God's help, Bill was able to launch the station, and Spyro did a full turnaround and even requested to be baptized by Bill's father who was a pastor.
Fri, February 23, 2024
Page 188: Bret Beherns: A Near-Death Accident & Surrendering to God’s Plan for Your Life
In a moment your life can change forever. Bret Beherns was a guy with a dream, a plan, and the drive to make it all happen. As a teenager, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. His dream job was to think, talk, and write about sports every day. He was on his way to achieving that dream when a near-death accident altered the course of his life. One day while he was working to help construct a cell tower, he fell 6 stories- a trauma very few could survive. In those few seconds, everything in Bret’s life changed. But God had given Bret a second chance at life.
Tue, February 20, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "..Whatever you have to do to get my attention" (Saying "Yes" to Jesus)
Lindsey Capperune leads the episode with stories of people saying "Yes" to Jesus. There are names you'll recognize, like Michael W. Smith and Matthew West. There are others you might not recognize, like Erin and Ryan. In God's kingdom, we are all equal, and He invites each of us to say "Yes" to a life with Him. Lindsey also shares when she said "Yes" to Jesus at an early age.
Fri, February 16, 2024
Page 187: Stories of Waiting for Love: Melodee Yaklich & Mary Potter Kenyon
Waiting is hard . If you have been waiting, hoping and praying for something, it can be frustrating . When is God going to answer ? On this Valentine’s week episode of The Unfolding, we are sharing stories of waiting for love . They are stories about a dream, an urgent prayer, and a one-word answer from God . No matter what you are waiting for, these stories will encourage you to wait with hope and anticipation that God is doing something good.
Tue, February 13, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite." (Joe and Tara Buchanan)
https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/behind-our-smiles/ Joe and Tara Buchanan host the Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast, where they vulnerably open up about their marriage journey, including the struggles along the way. With Valentine's Day coming up, we wanted more love stories to be encouraged and strengthened by inviting you into their story. Subscribe to the Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast today!
Fri, February 09, 2024
Page 151: Stories from Asbury: Students Share Their Experiences at Asbury Outpouring
On February 8, 2023, a normal chapel service for students at Asbury University turned into something extraordinary. A small group of students stayed afterward and began sharing struggles, confessing sin, and praying for each other . From those humble beginnings, an outpouring of God’s love and presence began and within days thousands had traveled from across the U.S. and beyond to experience it . Host Meridith Foster traveled to Wilmore, Kentucky to hear about it from the students themselves .
Tue, February 06, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "..a planet where diamonds rain down.." Christina Hannan's provision story, plus an invitation to "Praying Through Scripture"
Join Christina Hannan on her new podcast, and discover a new rich prayer life in Praying Through Scripture . https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/praying-through-scripture/ This week on Unfolding Short Stories, Christina shares what she learned teaching science to her kids as a homeschool mom. A planet that rains DIAMONDS! The God who can make a planet rain diamonds, is also the God who cares for our needs.
Fri, February 02, 2024
Archive Page 87: Adam & Christina Hannan: Building Your Family on a Foundation of Faith
Jesus said everyone who hears his words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock . The rain came down and the winds blew, yet it did not fall . Adam and Christina Hannan were trying to raise their family on a firm foundation . For years they made a habit of reading Jesus’ words and putting them into practice . They didn't know how firm that foundation would be until they walked through the storms that came with the birth of their precious son Myles .
Tue, January 30, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I was free, and I was free indeed!"
When Michelle's mother passed away, the weight of new responsibilities forced her to mature quickly, taking on the role of caregiver for her baby brother. But by the time she was a teenager, she had grown up too quickly. At the age of 16, she had become pregnant. At 18, she became addicted to drugs. This eventually led to prostitution, and it would take a moment with Jesus to wash her free from her addictions and set her on a new path to healing, and ultimately, helping other women like her. To hear other Wow God Stories around addiction, listen to episode 13 of the Wow God Stories podcast. https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/13-wow-god-stories-addiction/
Fri, January 26, 2024
Page 186: Naomi Raine: Maverick City Artist Talks about Walking with God and Hearing His Voice
Naomi Raine has been singing about God since she was two and writing songs since she was seven . Her parents were worship leaders, so sh e literally grew up going to rehearsals and hearing powerful worship songs . Even before she was born, there was a word spoken over her parents that their children would bless the earth . That word, combined with a stirring in Naomi, gave her a sense that God was going to use her songs to reach the nations . But for many years her songs, just like her relationship with God, w ere being cultivated in the small, quiet places. Today, Naomi’s voice reaches the nations as part Maverick City Music . Songs like Jireh and Promises <span cla
Tue, January 23, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "I'm Alan, and I was numb" (One Child)
Meridith Foster and Alan Bonde talk about a recent trip to a OneChild Hope Center in Nicaragua. We invite you to learn about becoming a child champion through OneChild , and to pray if God is asking you to consider sponsoring. https://my.onechild.org/wowgod-search
Fri, January 19, 2024
Page 185: Granger Smith: Country Music Star Finds Faith After Tragedy
Granger Smith had always found it easy to work hard on the things he was passionate about . Country music was at the top of that list . Last year after 24 years of touring as an award-winning, platinum-selling, singer and songwriter, Granger made the decision to leave the music business to pursue a future in ministry . That was something that a few years ago would have seemed impossible. But a tragic accident at his family’s home in 2019 had forced Granger onto a new path. He finally understood that no matter how hard he worked, he could not save himself. Granger is the host of the Granger Smith Podcast and the author of Life After River:Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache . C aution: T his episode includes some graphic content, including the loss of a child and discussion of suicide .
Tue, January 16, 2024
Unfolding Short Stories: "Ireland's life belongs to the Lord."
On a snowy April day, while driving through the countryside, Ireland’s car slid, hit a fence, and flipped multiple times. Amidst the chaos, she braced for impact, fearing for her life. Miraculously, she survived without any serious injuries.
Fri, January 12, 2024
Page 184: Sandeep Maity: Sponsored Child Becomes Passionate Advocate for Kids
*We are praying Unfolding listeners will sponsor 10 kids through One Child. If you are interested in sponsoring, would you please use this link? https://my.onechild.org/wowgod-search Sandeep Maity grew up in extreme poverty in India . His tiny home was four wooden poles wrapped in a tarp . He spent his days competing with other kids for whatever food they could find in the city dumpsters . But the most painful thing was the people around him who reminded him he was poor and unworthy, and he would live and die that way . For a time, Sandeep believed that was true . T oday, h e is a passionate leader, speaker and advocate for children who live in poverty. Sandeep is the Global Partnership Manager for One Child, an international community of Child Champions that serves children in poverty so they can discover hope and reach their God-given potential.
Fri, January 05, 2024
Page 148: Hannah Corwin: Fashion Photographer Meets Jesus and Follows His Plan to Create a Book of “But God” Stories
When you work in the fashion industry, image is everything . As a young woman, Han n ah Corwin moved to London and began working as a photographer in the fashion industry . It was an environment where it was easy to get caught up in believing you are what brand you wear. Image meant everything, and her identity was completely wrapped up in her job . Today Han n ah works in Nashville, shooting artists and musicians in the country music and Christian music industries . Along the way, God got hold of her heart and her camera, and He’s using it to tell about the miraculous things H e’s done, through a beautiful book of photography and stories called, “But God.”
Fri, December 29, 2023
Page 136: Chad Mattson: Unspoken Lead Singer’s Journey Out of Addiction
Chad Mattson is best known as the lead singer of the band Unspoken . For nearly 20 years, he’s been touring the country, writing hit songs like “Reason,” “Call it Grace,” and “Start a Fire.” Before he set foot on a stage or even realized that music was going to be a part of his life, Chad was living under the weight of contradiction . He knew God was real, he’d felt His presence . Yet his life was driven by addiction . From cigarettes, to alcohol, to drugs, to living in drug houses, his addictions grew stronger. He moved further away from the life God wanted for him and spent every day chasing the next fix .
Fri, December 22, 2023
Unfolding Short: Melodee Yacklich's Angel Story
We've got one more Angel Story for you before Christmas! Melodee shares a scary situation she was in as a realtor, and how at the last moment, disaster was avoided.
Wed, December 20, 2023
Page 183: 2023 Angel Stories
All throughout the story of Jesus’ birth, there are encounters with angels. But many of us are perplexed by these spiritual beings . Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Do people still encounter angels today? In this special 5th installment of our Christmastime episode about angels, we hear from Jamie Winship, LaDonna VonHolton , Stephanie Davenport and Jeff Hanus, each sharing their own unique encounter.
Fri, December 15, 2023
Page 182: Kevan Chandler (Pt 2): We Carry Kevan - Six Friends, Three Countries, No Wheelchair
Kevan Chandler was the second of his siblings to be diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare neuromuscular disease. In 2016, he and his friends took a three-week trip across Europe, leaving his wheelchair at home while his friends carried him in a backpack. It was a crazy dream-come-true trip, where God began to show Kevan that he wanted to inspire others to deep friendships and adventures. An avid storyteller, Kevan Chandler is a writer and speaker worldwide about his unique life with a disability. Kevan is the founder of the nonprofit We Carry Kevan , where more than 1,000 families have received backpacks so they can experience their own adventures.
Fri, December 08, 2023
Page 181: Kevan Chandler: The Hospitality of Need- How Our Needs Are a Doorway to Deep Friendships
What if the pathway to true joy, fulfillment, and living out your calling is in building deep friendships ? Kevan Chandler grew up in a close-knit family that had a foundation of faith in Jesus . He was the second of his siblings to be diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare neuromuscular disease . But where he lacked physical mobility, he excelled in creativity, imagination , and forming deep friendships . He is a storyteller, writer, and speaker who has traveled the world as a featured speaker for TEDx , Google, and many others . His life has been a series of adventures, made possible by the deep relationships Kevan has formed with Jesus and his friends .
Fri, December 01, 2023
Page 144: Ryan Leak: What Would You Do if You Weren’t Afraid to Fail?
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you do if you knew God was with you ? Ryan Leak is a teaching pastor, speaker, executive coach, and author . He is widely known for his documentary, “Chasing Failure.” He asked himself: What would he do if he knew he could not fail ? The answer was easy- he’d be in the NBA- and since the only way to know if that dream could be a reality was to try, that is exactly what he did.
Fri, November 24, 2023
Page 141: Mike Weaver: Big Daddy Weave Lead Singer Talks About Success & Insecurity
Despite what we often believe, success doesn’t solve the problem of insecurity. Mike Weaver is the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave. For more than 20 years, the band has experienced amazing success – awards, gold and platinum records, and number one songs. They’ve toured across the U.S. and beyond. But all of that affirmation wasn’t enough to quiet an inner critic. Mike Weaver believed he was never enough.
Fri, November 17, 2023
Page 180: Miss Kay Robertson: Duck Dynasty Mother Shares the Story of Fighting for her Marriage
When Miss Kay Robertson was a young girl, her grandmother told her one day she might have to fight for her marriage. That seemed crazy to Miss Kay’s young ears, but her grandmother was right. Long before Phil and Kay Robertson and their sons, Willie, Jase, Jep, and Alan became famous for making duck calls and the television show Duck Dynasty, Phil and Kay lived through ten hard years. The story of those early years is being told in a movie called The Blind . Phil and Kay started a family and married as teenagers. While Phil was in college, he began drinking. Soon he was an alcoholic, staying out all night, leaving Kay to raise their three sons. Everyone Kay knew told her to leave him. She knew if he was ever going to change, it would take a miracle.
Fri, November 10, 2023
Page 179: David Lapp: Excommunicated from his faith community, now he is helping end hunger
David Lapp loved the close-knit Amish community where he grew up . When he and his brothers began to experience miracles, they knew they had to learn more about God . But the more they learned, the more difficulties they experienced with their community . They were forced to choose between their faith and their culture and cut off from the relationships and work they treasured . It was a hard road, but God used it to teac h them to walk by faith. T oda y, David and his brothers lead Blessings of Hope ministries, where they share the love of Jesus while erasing hunger one box at a time.
Fri, November 03, 2023
Page 178: Mia Fieldes: Walking in Faith, Waiting for her Husband, and God’s Beautiful Story
How do you deal with disappointment with life , and ultimately with God ? Mia Fieldes is a talented singer, songwriter and worship leader . She’s co-written songs like Zach Williams’ Chain Breaker, Vertical Worship’s Yes I Will, and many more . She learned early in life to exercise the muscle of faith and to follow God’s lead . She began writing songs in high school, then wrote for Hillso ng , before moving to Nashville . But there was one area that she had struggled to trust God . She longed to be married someday, and for years she wondered when, or if, that would happen.
Fri, October 27, 2023
Page 177: Jeremy Rosado: Laying Down a Dream, Becoming a Dad, and The Voice
From a very young age, Jeremy Rosado knew he was going to sing. As he grew in his faith, he also began to understand that he not only had a gift, but that God wanted to use that gift. When he made it on Amercian Idol, it seemed like doors were finally opening. He finished in the top 13, but his family was struggling. His sister had battled addiction for years and his niece needed a father. At 21, Jeremy adopted his niece. For 10 years, he focused on being the best dad, while we honed his craft as a worship leader. Then, out of the blue in 2022, producers of The Voice called.
Fri, October 20, 2023
Page 176: Philip Yancey: Suffering, Grace, and Discovering the Truth About God
Philip Yancey is a best-selling author, the writer of Christian classics like The Jesus I Never Knew , and What’s So Amazing About Grace . After more than 40 years and 17 million books in print, Philip says much of his writing is about suffering and grace- two things he has experienced in great measure. Growing up in a strict, fundamentalist church, Philip learned to think of God as a giant who was waiting for a chance to crush him. His widowed mother presented much the same picture of God and reinforced it with her own anger and disappointment. As Philip grew, he was confused by the contradictions at church. They spoke about love and grace but rarely gave either. He began to see the lies he’d been taught at church and at home, and he walked away from faith.
Fri, October 13, 2023
Page 175: Carson Sellers: Chronic Illness, God’s Promise, and the Miracle of Healing
When Carson Sellers was young, his family’s faith seemed superficial . But then Carson was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that limited his life to being stuck at home or long stays in the hospital . For more than ten years he suffered intense pain that kept him from experiencing normal life . Eating food, driving a car, and even going to school became nearly impossible . But then Carson’s mom, and soon many others, began to believe that God was going to heal him.
Fri, October 06, 2023
Page 174: Jennisue Jessen: God’s Power to Rescue and Restore Victims of Human Trafficking
Content Advisory: This episode contains elements of sexual trauma, exploitation, and suicide. Jennisue Jessen has been working in the fight against human trafficking for more than 25 years . She has a unique perspective on both the trauma and the incredible resilience of survivors . Jennisue was first sold into the sex trade at the age of four by her grandfather . The abuse and exploitation lasted more than 10 years . S he believed Jesus was real and H e was with her, but she struggled to understand why her abuse continue d . T oday she is the founder and CEO of Compass 31, an international counter-traffickin g organization that has i mpacte d thousands of live s . S he has served on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW784
Fri, September 29, 2023
Page 173: Update on Michael & Shanaree Muzinich: From Atheists to Medical Missionaries
For the first time, we’re sharing an update on a story from The Unfolding . We first tol d Michael and Shanaree Muzinich’s story on Page 135. They were successful physicians, chasing things they thought would bring happiness – a dream home, prestigious careers, and big incomes . But their relationship was a mess. It was filled with conflict, and they were miserable . They didn’t believe in God, but one night 6 years ago they had an encounter with Jesus that changed everything . When they met Jesus, they surrendered everything. When we left Michael and Shanaree in August of 2022, they were preparing to move with their four children to Kenya to become medical missionarie s . Learn more about a project to buy a portable x-ray machine for Kijabe Hospital at www.FriendsOfKijabe.org
Fri, September 22, 2023
Page 172: Caleb, Jordan and Josh Ward: Walking By Faith, Wanting to Quit, and the Legacy that Lead to Consumed By Fire
When Caleb, Jordan, and Josh Ward formed the band “Consumed By Fire” in 2006 , they were just 13, 16, and 21 years old . They hit the road with a heart to serve and tell people about the hope of Jesus through music . For years they played and traveled, mostly for small crowds and little pay. They were living and working by faith- A way of life they had watched their parents model in a powerful way. But it’s tough to live a life of ministry on the road and t hey were burni ng out . So despite a clear call from God, after 13 years of hard work , they made the decision to quit . That’s when God gave them a song called “First Things First” that changed everything.
Fri, September 15, 2023
Archive Page 109: Joe and Tara Buchanan: Bringing Baggage and Expectations into Marriage
We often come into marriage with both baggage and expectations. When your spouse’s baggage is harder than you expected, how do you navigate that ? Joe and Tara Buchanan came into their marriage with vastly different backgrounds . Joe shares the story of his childhood on Page 1 of The Unfolding . It’s one of the most powerful stories of transformation you will ever hear, and it will give you some background on the challenges he faced in trying to have a healthy marriage . Tara’s background was the opposite--a healthy, intact family that had faith at its foundation. Two people with such different histories were bound to face some hard stuff. God knew they needed to face it and they would need H is help to do it. Joe and Tara are the hosts of Behind Our Smiles, a podcast on the Wow God Podcast Network.
Fri, September 08, 2023
Page 171: Humberto Salgado: Facing Darkness and the Devil in a Mexican Prison
One of Humberto Salgado’s favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” There are few places as hopeless as the Diamond cell block in a maximum security prison near Mexico City. When Humberto was invited to visit, he felt God wanted him to go, but he was afraid. The men of the Diamond cell block were the worst offenders- dangerous men serving multiple life sentences. And among the worst, was a man they called “the Devil.” In the view of most people, there was no hope any of these men could be transformed, especially the Devil.
Fri, September 01, 2023
Page 170: Kevin Santiago: Devastating Consequences, Depression, and God’s Power to Redeem
Kevin Santiago was driven to succeed. He set out to acquire the things he thought would bring happiness – a good job, house, car, and family. But when his plans began to crumble, he fell into depression . One night he go t in his car after having a few drinks . It was a choice that had devastating consequences and le ft Kevin overwhelmed with guilt and shame . Facing years in pr ison, h e began to believe his life wasn’t worth living. Kevin’s story is a reminder that there is no one who is too far gone, no sin or story that is beyond God’s power to redeem. This episode includes refer enc es to dep ression and suicidal ideation . If you’re struggling, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Fri, August 25, 2023
Archive Page 134: Blessing Offor: “Brighter Days” Singer on Trusting God with Life’s Challenges
Nigerian-born singer and songwriter Blessing Offor immigrated to the United States when he was six years old, leaving his parents and five older siblings behind. His family made the difficult choice to send him to America for medical care because he was born with congenital glaucoma and was nearly blind in his left eye. A few years later a fluke accident left him almost totally blind in both eyes . It was a series of events that some might consider tragic, but Blessing Offor considers a gift. Blessing is a n incredibly talented musician and songwriter, with songs like “Brighter Days,” “Tin Roof ,” and “Believe.” If you’re in a place where you r pra yers don’t seem to be answered and it feels like everything has gone wrong, Blessing’s story might change your perspective.
Fri, August 18, 2023
Page 169: Dave Munson: From Missionary to Saddleback Leather CEO
When Dave Munson graduated from Bible college, he was sure of one thing: the most spiritual thing he could do was full-time ministry . Then Dave went to Mexico as a missionary and that’s where he purchased the leather bag that God used to change everything, including Dave’s pride-filled heart . Dave is the founder of Saddleback Leather Company, whose goal is to love people around the world by making excessively high - quality leather bags . How does a prideful missionary become a humble but super-successful CEO? That ’ s Dave Munson’s story.
Fri, August 11, 2023
Page 168: Jamie Winship: Identity and Hearing from God
Not long after Jamie Winship joined the police force, he realized he was not equipped to face the challenges on the streets of Washington DC. He needed supernatural help to live out his God-given identity as a peacemaker. Jamie learned how to listen to God . God gave him creative, often radical, solutions that transformed hardened criminals into followers of Jesu s . His track record was so successful, he was recruited by the CIA. Jamie spent 30 years working in some of the most dangerous conflict zones on earth, including with terrorists in the Mid dle E ast . Jamie is the author of Living Fearless, and he and his wife Donna are the founders of IdentityExchange.com
Fri, August 04, 2023
Archive Page 102: Tasha Layton: “Look What You’ve Done” Singer Talks About Searching for Hope and Finding Healing in Jesus
After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. It was a long journey that led her back to Jesus . As a gifted worship leader, God opened doors in music but not what Tasha had imagined . She found herself on American Idol and touring the world as a backup singer for Katy Perry, before finding her home writing worship songs and books to help others experience the freedom she’s found in Jesus.
Wed, August 02, 2023
Hear Meridith's "Wow God" Story on episode 2 of the new "Wow God Stories" Podcast- Subscribe today!
Hear the brand-new podcast called "Wow God Stories", with hosts, Lisa WIlliams and Ann Sorenson. This podcast reminds us of a God who is able, alive, and active in our lives. https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/ Click the link, or subscribe on Apple, Google, or Spotify today.
Thu, July 27, 2023
Page 167: Iveth Luna: God’s Call, Closed Doors, and Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression
Iveth Luna is known as one of the rising new artists of today, writing songs that inspire people to worship Jesus. Although she had always secretly dreamed that she could be a worship leader, it wasn’t until she had a supernatural experience at 19 that she knew God was calling her to music. But then she experienced one crushing disappointment after another. In auditions for both The Voice and America’s God Talent, she came so close, only to experience heartbreak. It seemed God was closing every door. The disappointment she felt soon turned to depression and then questioning both God and herself.
Wed, July 26, 2023
NEW PODCAST called "Wow God Stories" - Subscribe today!
Hear the brand-new podcast called "Wow God Stories", with hosts, Lisa WIlliams and Ann Sorenson. This podcast reminds us of a God who is able, alive, and active in our lives. https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/ Click the link, or subscribe on Apple, Google, or Spotify today.
Fri, July 21, 2023
Page 166: Kevin “KB” Burgess: Finding Hope in Jesus Through Christian Hip Hop
Like many kids growing up on the south side of St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevin Burgess struggled with depression and hopelessness . After his parents’ divorce, he moved from a place where he felt safe, to a community where drugs and violence seemed to rule . He felt forgotten by society and had little hope of living to the age of 30 . That’s when an acquaintance handed him a Christian hip-hop CD that changed his life . Kevin Burgess is better known by his stage name, KB . H e is a Christian hip-hop artist, music executive, the author of Dangerous Jesus , and a man with a heart to shepherd the lost and hurting toward hope in Jesus.
Fri, July 14, 2023
Page 132: Katy Nichole: “In Jesus’ Name” Singer Shares the Story Behind the Song
The spinal surgery Katy Nichole underwent to correct scoliosis left her in excruciating pain . For three years she battled anxiety and depression . She came to a point where she wanted to give up, but God met Katy at her lowest and promised He had a purpose for her life . D uring those years of struggle Katy realized God had given her the gift of music so she could encourage others . Katy’s song, “In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)” became a viral sensation and set a record for the fastest rise to #1 for a female artist’s debut single . In this episode, Katy shares the story behind the song and how she became convinced there is always hope with Jesus.
Fri, July 07, 2023
Archive Page 122: Toni Collier: Broken Crayons Still Color
When Toni Collier was young, her family experienced a traumatic event that forced her to grow up fast . She had to take control in order to ensure the survival of the people around her. It was a heavy burden and by the time she was a teen, that weight was too much . She set out on a path of destruction that included drinking, drugs, and toxic relationships . Even meeting Jesus didn’t really change her life. Real change didn’t happen until Toni was willing to surrender everything. Toni is the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a ministry that helps women know that God can redeem any story when we surrender it to him, and the author of “Brave Enough to be Broken.”
Fri, June 30, 2023
Archive Page 130: Ben Fuller: Songwriter’s Search for Love Leads to Jesus
In 2022, Ben Fuller was a singer and songwriter just beginning his career in Christian music . His song “Who I Am” has been played on stations around the country . H e gr ew up on a dairy farm in Vermont as a well-liked kid who seemed to have it all togeth er . But he always struggled to earn his father’s approval . On the inside, he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole . He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, and even “making it” in country music . With each new thing, he was left asking himself, “Is this it ? Is THIS what life is all about?”
Fri, June 23, 2023
Page 165: Taylor & Lindsey Hohulin: Finding God’s Faithfulness Through Infertility
Infertility is more common than we might imagine. One in six couples struggles to conceive, and yet it can be a very lonely experience . Taylor and Lindsey Hohulin had always assumed they would have children . They were healthy and they came from families with lots of kids . So when they had trouble conceiving, it was surprising . Taylor and Lindsey have experienced the highs and lows of an infertility journey . They have been optimistic, disappointed, full of hope and full of grief . When you long for something so desperately, something that God says is good, how do you trust He is faithful even while your prayers seem to be unanswere d ?
Fri, June 16, 2023
Page 164: Jon Reddick: Singer/Songwriter on Pursuing Purpose and Trusting God’s Timing
Jon Reddick is a singer and worship leader who writes songs of hope and healing, like “God, Turn It Around” and “I Believe It.” There was a time when the hurts and hard parts of life left him questioning, is God’s plan always good ? Would the dreams planted in Jon’s heart ever really happen ? He seriously considered leaving music behind . But God used encounters with 2 strangers to affirm Jon’s purpose and change his life .
Fri, June 09, 2023
Page 163: Scott Spiezio: Former St. Louis Cardinal and World Series Champion Finds Freedom from Addiction
When it comes to addiction, freedom comes through su rrender . Scott Spiezio had always been a “goal guy , ” setting goals, working hard and finding success . The son of a major league baseball player, he grew up with his hopes set on playing in the big leagues . He won two World Series Championships with the Anaheim Angels and the St. Louis Cardinals in his 12 years in the major leagues . But an injury, a move away from the tight-knit community of believers that had surrounded him, and the pressures of great success led to the crumbling of his life and career .
Fri, June 02, 2023
Page 162: Scott Hamilton: Olympic Champion and Cancer Survivor on Trusting God
Scott Hamilton is one of the most recognized male figure skating stars in the world, winning four World Championships and Olympic gold in 1984 . He is a three-time cancer survivor, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, and more . Scott says failure is the thing that has fueled much of his success. God used the challenge of Scott’s journey with cancer to get his attention and to grab his heart .
Fri, May 26, 2023
Page 161: Page Turner: HGTV Star of Fix My Flip Shares About God’s Transformation
Long before Page Turner began transforming houses on HGTV shows like “F lip or Flop,” “Rock the Block,” and “Fix My Flip,” she experienced the transformation of her own heart . Raised by her agnostic mother, she was exposed to many different religions as a child . But at 19 , she met Jesus . As a s ing le mother and sole provider for 3 young daughters, she desperately needed God to transform her life . Along the way she became a r eal e state b roker, e ntrepreneur, and TV h ost, as she learned to follow God wherever he leads.
Fri, May 19, 2023
Page 160: Austin French: Childhood Abuse, Finding Jesus, and the Freedom of Authenticity
Austin French grew up in church, but for a long time he despised Christians . It seemed religion was all about pretending your life was perfect, and Austin’s life was anything but that. Living with an abusive father, he learned to hide his bruises and put on a smile . He swore when he was old enough, he would run as far as his cynicism would take him . But an encounter with Jesus at 13 changed Austin’s heart, and he committed to using his musical talents to telling people about Him . After appearing on national television shows like The Voice and Rising Star, Austin has become a successful singer and songwriter with songs like “Freedom Hymn,” “Born Again,” and “Jesus Can.”
Fri, May 12, 2023
Page 159: Helen Smallbone: Mother of For King & Country Tells of Their Family’s Journey of Faith
Helen Smallbone and her husband David were living in Australia when David’s business unexpectedly collapsed . With 6 kids, they took an enormous leap of faith and moved to the United States with everything they owned packed in 16 suitcases . Within a couple of months, David’s new job fell through . T hey were forced to live by faith and to trust God in ways they never had before . Helen is the mother of Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King & Country, along with 4 other amazingly talented children . She is the author of “Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family.
Fri, May 05, 2023
Page 158: Katie Davis Majors: “Kisses from Katie” Author Shares About Trusting God While Adopting 13
In 2006, 18-year - old Katie Davis traveled to Uganda for the first time . The people captivated her heart and within a year Katie was back in Uganda. Over the next 13 years, Katie founded Amazima Ministries, became a mom to 13 beautiful girls by the time she was 23, and married her husband Benji Majors . Her book s , “Kisses from Katie” and “Daring to Hope” became New York Times best seller s . Her story of taking baby steps of faith and seeing both the mountain-top highs and heartbreaking lows of ministry will inspire you to believe God can do anything.
Fri, April 28, 2023
Page 118: Susie Larson: Childhood trauma and finding freedom from fear
Susie Larson is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of the popular radio show/podcast Susie Larson Live on the Faith Radio Network . She is a woman known for her wisdom . That wisdom has come through challenging life experiences . The trauma she faced as a child left her feeling afraid and bracing for the next bad thing . But God had a plan for healing her wounds and equipping her to share her story, helping thousands along the way . Susie is the author of more than 20 books and devotionals, including her latest, “Strong In Battle.”
Fri, April 21, 2023
Page 157: Chuck Girard: Finding Jesus, Starting Love Song, and Living in the Jesus Revolution
In early 1970, a small group of hippies walked into a church in Costa Mesa, California and helped change Christian music forever . The Jesus Movement had begun on the West Coast, kicking off a spiritual awakening that swept the nation. Chuck Girard was at the center of it. He was a talented musician looking for answers to the meaning of life. He threw off traditional religion, became a hippie, and embraced drugs as the path to finding spiritual truth . Chuck is one of the founding members of Love Song, a band that changed Christian music. If you’ve seen the movie Jesus Revolution, you’ll love hearing this first-hand account of a fascinating time in American history.
Fri, April 14, 2023
Page 156: Mark and Jill Savage: Healing Marriage After Infidelity
When there is deception in marriage, how can you rebuild trust? For more than 20 years Mark and Jill Savage had served in ministry; Mark as a pastor, and Jill as the founder and director of Hearts at Home, a ministry for moms . Their marriage had good seasons and hard seasons. But in what the Savages describe as their darkest year, they faced infidelity and were headed for divorce . How could the pieces of their shattered life be put together again ? Today Mark and Jill are passionate about encouraging marriages and families. Jill is the host of the No More Perfect Podcast and has authored twelve books . Together Mark and Jill have authored two books and provide marriage coaching and resources at JillSavage.com. This episode contains adult content.
Fri, April 07, 2023
Page 155: Tarn Cross: God Designed Us for Adventure
Tarn Cross believes God has hard-wired us for adventure . When Tarn and her husband Matt had a young family in Australia, they began to grow restless . Their church experience seemed more like dry religion than a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. That’s when God led them to their first mission experience in Uganda. Within days of arriving, they realized what they thought would be an adventure was actually going to require radical faith and trust . Today Tarn is a leader who has traveled the world speaking and helping people discover their God - given identity and purpose.
Fri, March 31, 2023
Page 154: Amanda Bible Williams: She Reads Truth Co-founder Finds Comfort Through Son’s Medical Journey
As co-founder of She Reads Truth , Amanda Bible Williams has helped women around the world read God’s Word every day . She believes in the power of the Bib le to transform lives and sustain us through d ifficult times . A few years after launching She Reads Truth , Amanda and her husband David began the process of adopting their son Toby, who was born with a heart defect . That journey has included both amazing miracles and exhausting suffering, and seeing how God is close through it all.
Fri, March 24, 2023
Page 153: Cedric Hardimon: Life Church Pastor & NBA Chaplain Sees God Work All Things for Good
When Cedric Hardimon faced tragedy as a teenager, his friends challenged him. Would he walk away from his faith or would that experience solidify what he believed? A common thread throughout Cedric’s life has been seeing how God uses it ALL – the successes, the things that look like failures, the mountain tops, and the desert experiences. Somehow God can work all of it together for good. Today Cedric is a pastor at Life Church East Kansas City and he serves as the chaplain for the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the road to these two dream opportunities wasn’t easy. It was a journey filled with opportunities to choose to trust God.
Fri, March 17, 2023
Page 114: Monte Gannon & Michael Smith: Pastor Forgives Man Who Burned Church (From the Archive)
When police knocked on Pastor Monte Gannon’s door, he never could have imagined it was the start of something beautiful. Everything his church-owned was packed in a trailer that had been stolen and burned to the ground. As Monte prayed, he remembered two things- desperate people do desperate things, and God can take what was meant for evil and turn it for good. In a video that went viral, Monte reached out to whoever was responsible for the crime saying, “You are valuable. God has hope for you. You are invited to Meadows Church.” He had no idea how those words would come true.
Fri, March 10, 2023
Page 84: Lydia Laird: Depression, Anxiety and Dealing with Shame (From the Archive)
For years there has been a stigma around issues of mental health, including in the Church . For many of us, we assume depression and anxiety are issues we can fix, if we just read the Bible or pray more. Lydia Laird knew God was calling her to write and perform music about her faith, but she was struggling with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For much of her life she carried shame because she just couldn’t fix it.
Fri, March 03, 2023
Page 152: Stories from Asbury: Why So Many Traveled to Be There
The Outpouring at Asbury University began with a small group of students who stayed after chapel to worship and pray. Over the course of the next 2 weeks, some estimate as many as 50,000 people came to Wilmore , Kentucky to be a part of it . On February 23 rd , the university officially stopped hosting public services. If you weren’t among the 50,000 who experienced it, today’s show will give you a glimpse. In this episode, we talk with people who came from hundreds and thousands of miles to visit Asbury. Why did they go? What were they hoping for? Guests from Ohio to Ontario share their stories.
Thu, February 23, 2023
Page 151: Stories from Asbury: Students Share What They Have Experienced
On February 8, 2023, a normal chapel service for students at Asbury University turned into something extraordinary. A small group of students stayed afterward and began sharing struggles, confessing sin, and praying for each other. From those humble beginnings, an outpouring of God’s love and presence began and within days thousands had traveled from across the U.S. and beyond to experience it. Host Meridith Foster traveled to Wilmore, Kentucky to hear about it from the students themselves.
Fri, February 17, 2023
From the Archive: Page 54: Jeremy Camp: How Tragic Loss Tested Singer’s Faith
Jeremy Camp is a singer and songwriter whose story has been told in music and in a movie about his life. One of his most well-known songs is a simple but powerful declaration of faith. "I Still Believe" was written in a time of deep heartache and grief. As a young man, he had to make a choice. Would he trust that God is good even when life is not or walk away from his faith? That heartbreaking season forged a faith that is the foundation of Jeremy’s life.
Fri, February 10, 2023
From the Archive: Page 79: Ryan & MJ Otto: When God Writes Your Love Story
Ryan Otto wanted the fairytale marriage and family that he missed out on as a child. But there was one problem- he was paralyzed by the fear of choosing the wrong person or repeating his parents’ mistakes. Mary Jane was confident of one thing- she would never marry a pastor. It seemed to be an impossible situation, but it was actually an only-God-could-do-this kind of love s tory.
Fri, February 03, 2023
From the Archive: Page 102: Tasha Layton: Singer/songwriter shares story of healing to help others find freedom
After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. That journey led her back to Jesus and a call to use her musical talents. As a gifted worship leader, God opened doors in music but not what Tasha had imagined. She found herself on American Idol and touring the world as a backup singer for Katy Perry, before finding her home writing worship songs and books to help others experience the freedom she found.
Fri, January 27, 2023
Page 150: Christine and Les O’Dell: Living with Fear
Christine O’Dell’s world slowly shrank as she lived with a fear of fear. Panic disorder, anxiety, and agoraphobia lead her to impose restrictions on anything that might trigger an attack. For more than two decades she never traveled more than 15 miles from home. Their kids’ out-of-town games, r elatives' funerals, college visits for their kids, v isiting elderly parents - she could do none of t hese. Christine and her husband Les learned to function, but never to be free from the fear that ruled their family. It seemed obvious this wasn’t God’s will for their lives , but change, healing, and hope all felt impossible. But God used an illness that could have been a death sentence to give Christine new life. Christine shares more of her story at GodIsInThisStory.com
Fri, January 20, 2023
Page 149: Weez Stockton: Prayer, Healing, and Chronic Illness
Praying for healing can be tricky. Sometimes we pray and see miraculous results. Sometimes we pray and it seems like God isn’t listening. Weez Stockton loves to pray. She has used her voice for decades on the radio, leading worship, and praying for others. She has been both the pray-er, and the one prayed for; especially during the long years when she faced multiple health challenges. If you deal with chronic illness, her story will inspire you to pray and give you hope.
Fri, January 13, 2023
Page 148: Hannah Corwin: Fashion Photographer Meets Jesus and Follows His Plan to Create a Book of “But God” Stories
When you work in the fashion industry, image is everything. As a young woman, Hannah Corwin moved to London and began working as a photographer in the fashion industry. It was an environment where it was easy to get caught up in believing you are what brand you wear. Image meant everything, and her identity was completely wrapped up in her job. Today Hannah works in Nashville, shooting artists and musicians in the country music and Christian music industries. Along the way, God got hold of her heart and her camera, and He’s using it to tell about the miraculous things He’s done, through a beautiful book of photography and stories called, “But God.”
Fri, January 06, 2023
Page 97: Marcus Rixon: Sponsored Through One Child, Now He Helps Hundreds of Kids Get Sponsored
Marcus Rixon grew up in a 12’ x 6’ home with no running water in Kolkata, India. One of the challenges he faced was the box that kids like Marcus grew up in- a box that defined him and his potential. But his parents prayed for a way out of poverty, and the first answer to that prayer was sponsorship through One Child that allowed him to go to school. It was the beginning of a series of events that radically changed the trajectory of his life.
Fri, December 30, 2022
From the Archive: Page 46: Jo Saxton: Author and Leadership Coach Dealt with Crippling Insecurity
Jo Saxton is one of those people who seems naturally gifted to lead. She’s an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. But the early years of her life were filled with experiences that fed a deep insecurity. Her gifts and talents were buried beneath the weight of the baggage she carried. If you’ve ever questioned whether God could use even you, you’ll want to hear Jo’s story.
Wed, December 21, 2022
Page 147: Emmanuel God With Us: Mike Weaver, Paul and Hannah McClure and others’ stories of experiencing God’s presence
Have you ever felt God’s presence? The Bible says one of the names of Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” In this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding, we asked our guests to share stories of how they have experienced God’s presence in supernatural ways. We hear stories from worship leaders Paul and Hannah McClure, Mike Weaver from Big Daddy Weave, Pam Peoples, and Katie Brink, with special contributions from Mallary Hope and Sisters & Company.
Fri, December 16, 2022
Page 146: Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North: The Christmas Without Presents
When Mike Donehey thinks about Christmas as a kid, he can’t remember the gifts he received most years. But one Christmas stands out. It was the year there were no presents in the Donehey family. His parents came to the Donehey kids with a proposition – they could afford Christmas presents or surgery to save their dog, Sam. Mike talks about how sometimes, not getting what we hope for, can be a gift. Mike is the former lead singer of Tenth Avenue North and author of “Finding God’s Life for My Will.”
Fri, December 09, 2022
Page 145: Rob Wallstrom: Vera Bradley CEO Pursuing Call to be a Pastor
When God calls you to something, sometimes it takes years before it actually comes to pass. Rob Wallstrom has had a very successful career as a retail executive, leading companies like Vera Bradley and Saks Fifth Avenue’s outlet division. But years ago, his goal wasn’t to lead companies. As a teenager, he felt a clear call from God to be a pastor. It’s been 35 years since then. Now, it seems to be time to pursue that dream. If you find yourself in a season of waiting, Rob’s story will encourage you.
Fri, December 02, 2022
Page 144: Ryan Leak: What Would You Do if You Weren’t Afraid to Fail?
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you do if you knew God was with you? Ryan Leak is a teaching pastor, speaker, executive coach, and author. He is widely known for his documentary, “Chasing Failure.” He asked himself: What would he do if he knew he could not fail? The answer was easy- he’d be in the NBA- and since the only way to know if that dream could be a reality was to try, that is exactly what he did.
Fri, November 25, 2022
Page 143: Kyle and Betty Mertens: After Experiencing Loss, Couple Helps Others Navigate Grief
If you have experienced a devastating loss, you may wonder how anyone could survive such debilitating grief. How do you live through that kind of sadness? That’s what Kyle and Betty Mertens thought when they lost their one-year-old daughter Ella. They were drowning in grief, but they were determined to find a way through it with God. In the wake of their tragedy, they created a journal to keep their grief from pulling them apart. Their experience gave them an unexpected expertise on grieving, and they suddenly found themselves helping others navigate loss. Kyle and Betty are authors of the book, “Unraveled: When Loss Changes Everything.”
Fri, November 18, 2022
Page 142: Courtney Smallbone: Believing God for the Impossible
Courtney Smallbone’s family has followed Jesus for generations. But as a teenager, Courtney was unconvinced. Then a pivotal experience changed her from skeptic to whole-hearted believer. She saw God doing the impossible, and that marked her for life. It changed her expectations and prepared her for a day when she would need to believe for something that seemed impossible. Courtney and her husband Luke, who is half of the duo For King and Country, have four children and live in Columbia, Tennessee.
Fri, November 11, 2022
Page 141: Mike Weaver: Big Daddy Weave lead singer finds success doesn’t solve insecurity
Despite what we often believe, success doesn’t solve the problem of insecurity. Mike Weaver is the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave. For more than 20 years, the band has experienced amazing success – awards, gold and platinum records, and #1 songs. They’ve toured across the U.S. and beyond. But all that affirmation wasn’t enough to quiet an inner critic. For Mike Weaver, he was never enough.
Fri, November 04, 2022
From the Archive: Page 103: Dareth Ly: Survivor of Khmer Rouge Becomes Missionary to Cambodia
In 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia, Dareth Ly was 7 years old. He spent most of the next 4 years in a work camp, barely surviving starvation and torture. When he landed in the U.S. as an orphan, he forced himself to forget everything about Cambodia. He knew he would never go back. But God can take what others meant for evil and turn it for good. (Caution for parents: this story contains episodes of violence and is not appropriate for children.)
Fri, October 28, 2022
From the Archive: Page 47: Dallas Jenkins: How failure led to The Chosen
Nobody sets out to be a failure, but what if failure is exactly what we need? Dallas Jenkins is the director of The Chosen, the first ever multi-season show about Jesus. Long before The Chosen, Dallas wasn’t interested in making faith-based films. He dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. What God taught Dallas through failure became part of the incredible story that led to The Chosen.
Fri, October 21, 2022
Archive Page 77: Gracia Burnham: Missionary held captive by terrorists
For missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, a night to celebrate their wedding anniversary turned into a nightmare. On May 27, 2001, they were kidnapped from a resort in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf, a militant organization with ties to al Qaeda. Held hostage for over a year, the Burnhams were forced to live in the jungle with little food or water, endure gun battles, and witness atrocities by their captors.
Fri, October 14, 2022
From the Archive: Page 86: Sparkle Sanders: Struggling with Postpartum Depression
Sparkle Sanders was driven to succeed in everything she did. One of her greatest fears was failure. Nothing made her feel more like a failure than motherhood. When Sparkle became a mom, it didn’t look anything like what she expected. Every day was hard, and the struggle with postpartum depression made her feel miles away from God. Sparkle is the founder of Beautiful Truth, a for-profit, global ministry that aims to encourage, empower and teach others that through Jesus they can have and live a good, fulfilling life.
Fri, October 07, 2022
From the Archive: Page 98 Anne Wilson: The Story Behind the Song “My Jesus”
When Anne Wilson was growing up, she wanted to be an astronaut. She made plans, started taking classes, and set her hopes on traveling to space. But one tragic summer night in 2017 altered the course of Anne’s life. The death of her brother Jacob set off a series of events that made clear to Anne that God’s purpose was different than her plan. Anne sang in front of an audience for the very first time at her brother’s funeral. That was also the moment God clearly called Anne to spend her life praising and worshipping Him. Her first song, “My Jesus,” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel music chart.
Fri, September 30, 2022
Page 140: Nathan Sheridan: God rewrites songwriter’s story
Nathan Sheridan experienced more tragedy as a young boy than many of us face in an entire lifetime. Born to addicted parents, Nathan and his sister were passed between relatives. The abandonment of his parents was followed by even more heartbreak, and that left Nathan carrying a heavy load of grief. Sometimes that kind of heartache can make you believe nothing good could ever come of your story. That was true for Nathan. He dreamed of becoming a singer and songwriter, but he struggled to believe he would ever be good enough for that dream to come true.
Fri, September 23, 2022
Page 139: Karen Horne: Pastor’s wife goes undercover
Karen Horne got really good at “pretend normal.” Her husband was living a lie and she was pretending everything was fine. When you are married to a pastor, there is intense pressure to appear as if all is well. Betrayal, deceit and hidden sin had eaten away at the foundation of their family. Karen would have to go undercover to find out the truth. This episode contains references to pornography and sexual addiction.
Fri, September 16, 2022
Page 138: Hope Darst
Long before Hope Darst became a successful recording artist and worship leader, she believed God called her to lay down that dream. Surrender had become a theme in her life. Giving up control to Jesus, letting go of her hopes for a career, and surrendering her dream to become a mother were all a part of her path. Today Hope is known for powerful anthems like “Peace Be Still” and “Promise Keeper,” but in the years prior to that success, God called her to lay down dreams and follow Him wherever He might lead.
Fri, September 09, 2022
From the Archive: Page 101: 9/11 Stories
If you were old enough to be aware of the events that day, you likely know exactly where you were on September 11, 2001. In this special 20th anniversary edition of The Unfolding, we are sharing a collection of stories from 9/11. With each story we move closer to Ground Zero. We begin 8,000 miles from Manhattan in the jungles of the Philippines. Missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham were being held captive by terrorists with ties to Al Qaeda. Mel Torre shares how a supernatural experience helped him get out of the city that day. From her vantage point overlooking the World Trade Center complex, Christina Stanton was close enough to not only witness the events, but to feel the shockwaves. The final story takes you inside the South Tower, sharing how Brian Clark, one of only 18 survivors from above the impact zone, saw the hand of God that day.
Fri, September 02, 2022
Page 137: James Winston
James Winston understands that Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” means more than simply changing your mind. It means complete transformation. When he was 22, James was sent to Viet Nam. Like thousands of other soldiers, he was introduced to heroin. That began an addiction that enslaved him for 30 years. Along the way he served multiple prison sentences and devastated his relationships. It seemed he would never change. But at 55 years old, entering his 5th prison term, he knew he needed transformation. In desperation, he committed to do only one thing – read God’s word.
Fri, August 26, 2022
Page 136: Chad Mattson
Chad Mattson is best known as the lead singer of the band Unspoken. For nearly 20 years he’s been touring the country, writing hit songs like “Reason,” “Call it Grace,” and “Start a Fire.” But before he set foot on a stage or realized that music was going to be a part of his life, Chad was living under the weight of contradiction. He knew God was real, he’d felt His presence. Yet his life was driven by addiction. From cigarettes, to alcohol, to drugs, to living in drug houses, his addictions grew stronger. He moved further away from the life God wanted for him and spent every day chasing the next fix.
Fri, August 19, 2022
Page 135: Mike and Shanaree Muzinich
Mike and Shannaree Muzinich say their relationship was like sandpaper. It was constant abrasion and bracing for the next conflict. For ten years the two physicians chased after things they thought would bring them happiness- a dream home, prestigious careers and big incomes. Yet they still lived in misery with little expectation that things would get better. Even though they weren’t looking for God and had never believed in Him, one night they had an encounter with Him that changed their lives forever.
Fri, August 12, 2022
Page 134: Blessing Offor
Nigerian-born singer and songwriter Blessing Offor immigrated to the United States when he was six years old, leaving his parents and five older siblings behind. His family made the difficult choice to send him to America for medical care because he was born with congenital glaucoma and was nearly blind in his left eye. Instead, a few years later a fluke accident left him almost totally blind in both eyes. It was a series of events that many people might have considered tragic, but Blessing Offor considers a gift. Blessing is a talented musician and songwriter, with songs like “Brighter Days,” “Tin Roof,” and “The Goodness” (with TobyMac). If you’re in a place where your prayers don’t seem to be answered and it feels like everything has gone wrong, Blessing’s story might change your perspective.
Fri, August 05, 2022
Page 133: Terry Wildman
Terry Wildman didn’t grow up immersed in the history and culture of his First Nations ancestors. But after he met Jesus, his heart for Indigenous Americans grew. As he learned more about the painful history of Native North Americans and the Church, he struggled with questions. But through that struggle, he felt a call to translate the Bible following the tradition of Native storytellers. The First Nations Version of the New Testament has sold thousands of copies, bringing hope and healing to thousands.
Fri, July 29, 2022
Page 132: Katy Nichole
The spinal surgery Katy Nichole underwent to correct scoliosis left her in excruciating pain. For three years she battled anxiety and depression. She came to a point where she wanted to give up, but God met Katy at her lowest and assured her he had a purpose for her life. It was during those years of struggle that Katy began to realize God had given her the gift of mus ic so she could encourage others. Katy Nichole’s song, “In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)” became a viral sensation and set a record for the fastest rise to #1 for a female artist’s debut single. In this episode, Katy shares the story behind the song and how she became convinced there is always hope with Jesus.
Fri, July 22, 2022
Page 131: Paul and Hannah McClure
Throughout scripture God tells us, “Do not be afraid,” and yet we face a lot of fearful situations in life. How do you live without fear? Paul and Hannah McClure are worship leaders and songwriters who have experienced fear and anxiety just like many of us. But during COVID, they had a scary experience, triggering fears that shook them to the core. But this encounter taught them something new about fear and God and what we can experience when we know that He is with us.
Fri, July 15, 2022
From the Archive: Page 94: Lana Vasquez
When Lana Vasquez met Jesus at 19, she knew she had been rescued to rescue others. Within a few short years, she was a full-time missionary with Life Impact International rescuing kids from trafficking in Thailand. It was a daunting mission, far beyond what she could do in her own strength. In fact, the work often seemed impossible. But when God asks us to do the impossible and we’re willing to say yes, we are in the perfect position to see the miraculous.
Fri, July 08, 2022
From the Archive: Page 93: Lana Vasquez
Growing up in Southern California, Lana Vasquez found herself looking for love in all the wrong places. By the time she was a teenager, she was trapped in an abusive relationship, addicted to alcohol and drugs, and spent her nights as a dancer in the clubs of Hollywood. She was living a fast life, but even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood couldn’t hide the fact that she felt desperately empty. At 19 years old, Lana heard the Gospel for the first time. When God rescued her, she knew she was called to rescue others. Within 4 years Lana was a full-time missionary rescuing kids in Thailand through the ministry of Life Impact International.
Fri, July 01, 2022
From the Archive: Page 68: Jordan St. Cyr
Jordan St. Cyr had always believed the way to your dreams was through grit and hard work. He knew God had called him to be a songwriter, so he was determined to make it happen. But what if the way to your dreams isn’t through determination, but through surrender? Jordan is the co-writer of the song “Fires,” – a song that has become their family’s anthem as they walk through their daughter's diagnosis with a rare syndrome.
Fri, June 24, 2022
From the Archive: Page 49: Mandisa
In a post-pandemic world, more and more people are dealing with issues related to mental health. Mandisa is a singer and songwriter who has authentically shared her journey with anxiety and depression. When her friend was diagnosed with cancer, Mandisa was confident God would heal her. When He didn’t, she struggled with sadness and deepening disappointment with God. In this interview, Mandisa shares how depression led to isolation and walking away from her singing career, but God used a community of friends to help lift her out of the dark.
Fri, June 17, 2022
From the Archive: Page 7: Mark Schultz
Mark Schultz had always felt a drive to succeed. As the only adopted child in his family, it seemed to be a way to guarantee his adoptive parents would know they had picked the right kid. If he was the starting quarterback, the pitcher on the state championship team, the singer and songwriter who got standing ovations – that surely meant he was special. He is known for songs like “He’s My Son,” “Remember Me,” “I Am,” and “Walking Her Home.” It wasn’t until Mark held his own adopted daughter that he had finally had a revelation about God’s love for him.
Fri, June 10, 2022
Page 130: Ben Fuller
Ben Fuller is a singer and songwriter who is just beginning his career in Christian music. His song “Who I Am” is being played on stations around the country. His story began growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont. He was a well-liked kid and on the outside, seemed like he had it all together. But he always struggled to earn his father’s approval. On the inside he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole. He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, even “making it” in country music. With each new thing, he was left asking himself, “Is this it? Is THIS what life is all about?”
Fri, June 03, 2022
Page 129: Katelyn James
When our story takes a tragic turn, it often feels like God is a million miles away. But Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Katelyn James’ heart was crushed with the news that the baby she was carrying would not survive. When she pictured the life God had for her, this was nothing like what she had imagined. But rather than guard her heart, God was asking her to lean in and trust that His plan was good. Katelyn and her husband Michael own Katelyn James Photography, where they have coached thousands on how to have their own successful photography business. Theirs is a story of joy, peace, loss, and hope.
Fri, May 27, 2022
Page 128: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
When life goes according to our plan, it’s a lot easier to believe in a good God. But when our prayers aren’t answered and we’re left with disappointment, it can be a struggle to trust Him. Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith not only didn’t understand God, she was angry with Him. Today Dr. Dalton-Smith uses her experience to help women live happier, healthier and more productive lives. She’s an author, speaker, and host of the “I Choose My Best Life” podcast, but before all of that, she was a young woman carrying a heavy load of resentment toward God.
Fri, May 20, 2022
Page 127: Melissa Mork
Melissa Mork was a college student when her mother tragically passed away. At the time Melissa’s father made a request. He asked her to study grief because it seemed few people really understood what it was like to walk through devastating loss. That charge turned out to be providential. As a professor of psychology at the University of Northwestern St. Paul, Dr. Mork is a resource to thousands dealing with grief. Her insight and wisdom came not only from academic study, but from walking the hard road of loss over and over again. Dr. Mork is the author of Navigating Grief with Humor, and the host of the podcast Mental Health with Dr. Melissa Mork.
Fri, May 13, 2022
From the Archive: Page 59: Kati Pessin
If you or someone you love has struggled with anxiety or depression, you know how crippling that can be. For Kati Pessin, depression was something she first grappled with as a middle schooler and it’s been a part of her life since. The struggle has taken her to the lowest moments of her life, but it’s also been a place where God has revealed her need for him and his love for her in a very powerful way.
Fri, May 06, 2022
Page 126: Brandon Richardson and Ryan Stevenson
Brandon Richardson, known professionally as RICHLIN, was in junior high the first time he met Ryan Stevenson. Over the years, their interaction at a summer camp forged friendship, respect, and an awareness of the gifts God had placed in each other. Both of these guys are talented singers, songwriters and musicians. While Brandon Richardson is a newcomer, Ryan Stevenson is known for songs like “Eye of the Storm” and “With Lifted Hands.” Brandon never really dreamed of being a recording artist, but because of the relationships God weaved into his life, he had a passion to follow God’s call to spread grace and hope, however God wanted to do that. This is a story of the power of a mother’s words and her love, the power of friendship, and how God is weaving those relationships in your life, to lead you to his calling, even when you don’t realize it.
Fri, April 29, 2022
Page 125: Jonathan Gonzalez
God can use our greatest pain as a launching pad to our greatest calling. That’s what Jonathan Gonzalez believes. But in the beginning, his story seemed hopeless. He was a challenging kid who was making horrible choices. By the time he was 12 he was getting arrested. If something didn’t happen to change his path, he was headed for hardship and a life of pain inflicted on himself and those around him. When Jonathan was 17, he was in a terrible car accident that nearly claimed his life. At the time, he didn’t know who God was or if God was real. In his desperation, just before he took his last breath, he prayed. That night changed Jonathan’s life forever.
Fri, April 22, 2022
Page 124: Andy Carr
Andy Carr was the epitome of the self-made man. From a young age, he knew what he wanted and he worked hard to get it. His work paid off as he quickly moved up the corporate ladder. But the pressures of the life he had built began to close in on him, and he found himself in a hospital with his life hanging in the balance. For the first time, Andy thought to ask God what He wanted for his life. Today Andy is the Vice President for Development and Marketing at Feed My Starving Children, an organization that has provided more than 3 billion meals to hungry people all over the world.
Fri, April 15, 2022
Page 123: Olivia Lane
Olivia Lane had always felt a pressure to be successful. From moving to Los Angeles at 16 to pursue an acting career, to appearing on NBC’s “Songland” as she launched her country music career, no amount of success seemed to be enough. In 2017, the anxiety and stress finally caught up with her, leading to burn out, losing her voice, and feeling like a failure. That’s when a supernatural encounter with Jesus changed her from atheist to believer. The song she wrote about her experience, “Woman at the Well,” became a social media sensation. She has 400,000 followers on TikTok, where she regularly shares about her faith.
Fri, April 08, 2022
Page 122: Toni Collier
When Toni Collier was young, her family experienced a traumatic event that forced her to grow up fast. She had to take control in order to ensure the survival of the people around her. It was a heavy burden and by the time she was a teen, that weight was too much. She set out on a path of destruction that included drinking, drugs, and toxic relationships. Even meeting Jesus didn’t really change her life. That didn’t happen until Toni was willing to surrender everything. Toni is the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a ministry that helps women know that God can redeem any story when we surrender it to him.
Fri, April 01, 2022
Page 121: Maia Mikhaluk
On the 24th of February, Maia Mikhaluk woke to the sound of explosions. It was confirmation of what they had feared. Russia had launched an attack on Ukraine and war had begun. Air raid sirens and rocket explosions have become a daily occurrence. Nearly 4 million refugees have left Ukraine. For many including Maia, the decision to stay or leave is gut-wrenching. Maia is the co-founder and leader of a ministry called International Partnerships. She and her husband have spent 25 years planting churches in Ukraine and they pastor a congregation in Kyiv. She spoke with us from a bomb shelter in her apartment building.
Fri, March 25, 2022
From the Archive: Page 38: Kellie Penn
What happens to your faith when life doesn’t follow your plan? Kellie Penn has always been a planner. She had a vision for what her life would be like, and she was confident God would be on board. But, beginning in her childhood, life took a detour. What unfolded was a story that she would never have chosen–an unexpected journey through heartache to joy.
Fri, March 18, 2022
From the Archive: Page 32: Kenji Gallo
How does a kid from southern California end up in the Mafia? Kenji Gallo soon realized that “the life” wasn’t the glitz, money and glamour he had imagined and there seemed to be no way out. When the FBI offered him a fresh start, he thought that would change his life. But it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus that he experienced real freedom. Kenji’s story has been told on the Discovery Channel, Spike TV, and in his memoir, Breakshot: A Life in the 21st Centrury American Mafia.
Fri, March 11, 2022
From the Archive: Page 16: Darren Mulligan
Stubborn, selfish, atheist, adulterer. All words that Darren Mulligan uses to describe who he was as a young adult. And not surprisingly, he was also miserable. So when his girlfriend announced she had met Jesus, and found hope and healing, Darren wasn’t happy for her, he was actually angry. It’s hard to believe this was the man who would one day share the Gospel with thousands through his music. Darren is the lead singer for “We Are Messengers” , a group that originated in Ireland. What to many appeared to be an overnight success story, was actually a hard and very messy journey to Jesus.
Fri, March 04, 2022
Page 120: Leah Kadwell
When Leah Kadwell was a young newlywed, she and her husband heard a clear call from God to move to India. They had dreams of serving and making a real difference in the lives of the people they had grown to love. After 20 years in the country, Leah and her family were forced to leave. The circumstances could have crushed her spirit, but God used her time there not only to bless the people she worked with, but also to change Leah.
Fri, February 25, 2022
Page 119: Carissa Carroll
When Carissa Carroll’s son Jack was born with special needs, it was nothing like what she had planned for their family. She felt totally unprepared and wondered how his Down syndrome diagnosis would change their lives. But God showed her Jack is a gift worth celebrating and his life has led to the celebration of thousands of babies through Jack’s Basket, an organization with a mission to celebrate babies with Down syndrome.
Fri, February 18, 2022
Page 118: Susie Larson
Author, speaker, and radio host Susie Larson has a wealth of wisdom to share. That wisdom has come through very challenging life experiences. The trauma she faced as a child left her feeling afraid, bracing for the next bad thing. But God had a plan for healing her wounds and equipping her to share her story and her wisdom, helping thousands of people along the way.
Fri, February 11, 2022
Page 117: Christa DiEmidio
When Christa DiEmidio was growing up, she often felt alone. It seemed God was either nonexistent or He simply didn’t care. Christa had the freedom to do what she wanted. So she set out in search of something to fill the emptiness. That search let to an addiction that nearly destroyed her life. But an encounter with God helped her know she was never alone.
Fri, February 04, 2022
From the Archive: Page 8: Michelle Lewis
From the time Michelle Lewis was a little girl she had a dream. Her greatest desire in life was to be a wife and a mother. She wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and do the thing she was passionate about- having and nurturing children. But health issues made pregnancy impossible. Letting go of that dream led to depression and grief. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” What do you do when God calls you to let go of a dream but hold on to him?
Fri, January 28, 2022
Page 116: Tony Mansmith
The fall-out from the pandemic includes a post-pandemic mental health crisis. Some polls show about half of American families have at least one person who has had serious problems with depression, anxiety or stress. Those issues are made even worse when we suffer through them alone. When Tony Mansmith was young, there was a perfect storm of circumstances that left him feeling isolated. The sadness he felt grew into depression by the time he was a young teenager, but for the most part that struggle remained a secret. While Tony’s story is extremely hopeful, it does include elements of self-harm, abuse, and suicide.
Fri, January 21, 2022
Page 115: Jan Rozga
One week after high school graduation, Jan Rozga’s son David smoked a legal synthetic drug he had purchased at the mall. Within minutes David had taken his life. Every hope for the future was shattered. From that moment until now, God has been writing Jan’s survival story, helping her learn to have hope and to believe that she could live again. Jan is the author of Raw Survival. She and her husband Mike facilitate GriefShare support groups, and worked to get the David Mitchell Rozga Act signed into law. Jan’s passion is to tell others of the healing power of Jesus and to raise awareness of the dangers of synthetic drugs.
Fri, January 14, 2022
Page 114: Monte Gannon and Michael Smith
When the police knocked on Pastor Monte Gannon’s door, he never could have imagined it was the start of something beautiful. Everything his church-owned was packed in a trailer that had been stolen and burned to the ground. As Monte prayed, he remembered two things- desperate people do desperate things, and God can take what was meant for evil and turn it for good. In a video that went viral, Monte reached out to whoever was responsible for the crime saying, “You are valuable. God has hope for you. You are invited to Meadows Church.” He had no idea how his words would come true.
Fri, January 07, 2022
Page 113: Julie Dennison
Julie Dennison experienced some hard things as a child. Like many of us, she didn’t know a healthy way to deal with trauma. As an adult, opioid drugs became Julie's go-to coping mechanism. What at first seemed to be a way to numb the pain, soon turned into an addiction that controlled her life and devastated her closest relationships. There seemed to be no way out.
Thu, December 23, 2021
Page 112 Angel Stories (Part 2)
Angels play a big part in the Christmas story. But they also appear all throughout scripture as messengers, serving on assignment for God, and sometimes even protecting people from danger. While we don’t worship angels, God clearly uses them to carry out his plan and scripture indicates He is still using angels among us today. In our annual episode of angel stories, we asked you to share your angel encounters. It’s a glimpse into God’s unfolding story and just how big and beyond-our-imagination it really is. This is part 2 of the 2021 edition of The Unfolding Angel Stories.
Fri, December 17, 2021
Page 111 Angel Stories (Part 1)
Psalm 91:11 says, “He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go.” Do people still encounter angels today? In this special, annual edition of The Unfolding podcast, we asked about modern-day angel encounters. This collection of angel stories reminds us that the same God who sent angels the first Christmas, is directing angels around us today.
Fri, December 10, 2021
From the Archive: Page 45: John Karakian
John Karakian has never really thought of himself as an evangelist. He’s just a guy who really loves his dog and his neighbors. John and Buddy met thousands of people as they walked the streets of suburban Detroit for twelve years. John had no idea that God could use something as simple as a chocolate lab to connect searching people with genuine hope. Hundreds of people came to the Christmas program at John's church, all because of Buddy.
Fri, December 03, 2021
From the Archive: Page 31: Angels
You can’t read the Christmas story without bumping into angels. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds all encountered them. Do people still encounter angels today? That’s the question we asked, and the stories we share will fill you with wonder and hope.
Fri, November 26, 2021
Page 110: Dmitri and Anya Poliakoff
Growing up in the U.S.S.R., Dmitri and Anya Poliakoff had never heard the story of the Bible. From the time they were young, they had been told there is no God. They were restoration artists who studied some of the greatest painters in the history of art. Many of those paintings depicted the story of Jesus. The truth was right in front of them, but Dmitri and Anya had no idea. One small, smuggled Bible changed everything. Dmitri and Anya now lead A.D. Ventures Ministries, an association of more than 400 churches and mission groups across Russia.
Fri, November 19, 2021
Page 109: Joe and Tara Buchanan
Behind Our Smiles Podcast with Joe and Tara Buchanan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-our-smiles/id1590398238 https://open.spotify.com/show/0vYvuocfjVvGU6vjGEyvAk https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9ud21lZGlhLW9uZGVtYW5kLnN0cmVhbWd1eXMxLmNvbS9CZWhpbmQtT3VyLVNtaWxlcy9iZWhpbmRvdXJzbWlsZXMtZ29vZ2xlLXBvZGNhc3RzLnhtbA
Fri, November 12, 2021
Page 108: George Odero
Growing up in the slums in Kenya, George Odero always seemed to be on the outside looking in. He longed for the love and acceptance of God, but found people couldn’t see past the dirt, poverty, and danger of being a street kid. He couldn’t imagine that God would love him and use him to change his world. George is now a pastor with Forward Ministry Kenya.
Fri, November 05, 2021
From the Archive: Page 48 Jeanie Thomas
How do you live out your faith in relationship with a child who rejects it? When Kevin and Jeanie Thomas' daughter announced she was leaving home and leaving her faith, they were stunned. They never imagined being the parent of a prodigal. They had done their best to lead their kids to Jesus. What followed was a journey of learning how to give unconditional love, and live out their faith with a daughter who had become an atheist.
Fri, October 29, 2021
Page 107: Jack Cassidy
Jack Cassidy comes from a long line of talented entertainers. Starting with his grandmother, Oscar-winning actress Shirley Jones and including his uncles David Cassidy (The Partridge Family) and Shaun Cassidy, who was also a teen idol and continues to work in television today. Talent overflows in this family. Jack is a singer and songwriter who appeared on season 12 of The Voice. His passion is to sing about the power of God’s love because he has experienced it first-hand. Growing up in a famous family had its privileges, but fame didn’t protect Jack from struggles, including dealing with depression and a cocaine addiction that nearly took his life.
Fri, October 22, 2021
From the Archive: Page 52 Rechab Gray
How does the shyest, most introverted guy respond to a call to be a preacher? Rechab Gray decided to run. He couldn't see how God could use him. He was petrified at public speaking, even having conversations with an acquaintance made him sweat. Today Rechab is a church planter and preacher who has found the greatest joy and peace in life, is in surrendering to Jesus.
Fri, October 15, 2021
Page 106: Esther Lee
For many parents, losing a child is one of their greatest fears. How do you believe God is good and trustworthy as you watch your child suffer? When a friend’s daughter received a terminal diagnosis, Esther Lee told God there was no way she could handle something so heartbreaking. When her daughter Ava was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, Esther’s faith was devastated. It felt like God had abandoned her, and she struggled to trust Him. But in her suffering, she found God to be close, walking the journey with her to the point of trusting his goodness regardless of her circumstances. Esther is a wife, mom, teacher, and gifted writer. Her posts on the Team Brighter Days Facebook page during her Ava's illness gained thousands of followers.
Fri, October 08, 2021
Page 105: Natalie Twedell
Natalie Twedell struggled with fear while her husband Drew was deployed to Iraq. When he passed away while training to become a Navy Seal, her worst fears were confirmed. Anxiety became her constant companion. She referred to herself as a “control freak” who was waiting for the next bad thing to happen. But that way of life is exhausting, and God was calling her to trust him. As a woman overcome with fear, she couldn’t imagine a life of courage or rest.
Fri, October 01, 2021
Page 104: Ami Dean
We are constantly bombarded with things that compete not only for our attention, but to be the source of our identity. It’s tempting to tie our sense of self-worth to our appearance, work, possessions, love relationships, and more. Ami Dean believed she had arrived. She had the house, the car, the spouse, and the kids- all the things that from the outside look like success. But she craved attention. With access to the internet came opportunities to find that attention. What seemed alluring at first turned into addiction to pornography and inappropriate relationships, and that left her in a place of darkness as she watched her world crumble.
Fri, September 24, 2021
Page 103: Dareth Ly
In 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia, Dareth Ly was 7 years old. He spent most of the next 4 years in a work camp, barely surviving starvation and torture. When he landed in the U.S. as an orphan, he forced himself to forget everything about Cambodia. He knew he would never go back. But God can take what others meant for evil, and turn it for good. (Caution for parents: this story contains episodes of violence and is not appropriate for children.)
Fri, September 17, 2021
Page 102: Tasha Layton
After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. That journey led her back to Jesus and a call to use her musical talents. As a gifted worship leader, God opened doors in music but not what Tasha had imagined. She found herself on American Idol and touring the world as a backup singer for Katy Perry, before finding her home writing worship songs and books to help others experience the freedom she found.
Wed, September 08, 2021
Page 101: Stories from 9-11
If you were old enough to be aware of the events that day, you likely know exactly where you were on September 11, 2001. In this special 20th anniversary edition of The Unfolding, we are sharing a collection of stories from 9/11. With each story we move closer to Ground Zero. We begin 8,000 miles from Manhattan in the jungles of the Philippines. Missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham were being held captive by terrorists with ties to Al Qaeda. Mel Torre shares how a supernatural experience helped him get out of the city that day. From her vantage point overlooking the World Trade Center complex, Christina Stanton was close enough to not only witness the events but to feel the shockwaves. The final story takes you inside the South Tower, sharing how Brian Clark, one of only 18 survivors from above the impact zone, saw the hand of God that day.
Fri, September 03, 2021
From the Archive: Page 40: Sarah Derocha
As a Level 1 trauma nurse, Sarah Derocha had been trained to handle life and death situations. On a medical mission trip to a remote area of Bolivia, she was critically injured in a bus accident. She knew that her chance of survival was slim because of her nursing experience. The only way she could survive would be if God intervened.
Fri, August 27, 2021
From the Archive: Page 20: Brittany Frost
Have you ever been afraid that God might call you out of your comfort zone? Brittany Frost had always tried to do things by the book. But a Bible study on the Holy Spirit challenged her to pray, “God, whatever you want, I’ll do it.” God led her on a journey to the other side of the world and radically changed her home. It's a powerful story of trusting God through pregnancy loss and international adoption.
Fri, August 20, 2021
Page 100: Gary Levox and you
In this special 100th episode of The Unfolding, we talk with Gary Levox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, about how one night listening to the radio in his mom’s kitchen, changed his life. Many people had told Gary he had a good voice, but he had never really thought of it as a gift, or that God might have a plan for him to use that gift. When he decided to take a leap of faith and move to Nashville, he had no idea he would end up in Rascal Flatts, one of the most successful country groups of all time. To celebrate Page 100, we are sharing YOUR stories of how God has used The Unfolding in your life.
Fri, August 13, 2021
YOUR story. Plus, a brand new podcast called "I Love That Song!"
Do you have a story of how "The Unfolding Podcast" has impacted you? We want to know about it, and hope to share more stories like yours on the 100th episode. Share here: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast
Fri, August 06, 2021
Page 99: Laura Johnson
Laura Johnson experienced some hard and traumatic things as a child. As she grew up, she saw what other children were going through and made herself a promise – she would never do that to her kids. But addiction was tricky. One minute she was in control of her drug use, and the next she wasn’t. Laura found herself doing thing she never could have imagined. But what the enemy intended for evil, God can turn for good. Through addiction, abandoning her kids, and the loss of her son to violence, Laura has found that God can redeem the worst of life. Laura is the founder of Mothers of Violent Crimes, a support group for those who have lost loved ones to violence. This episode contains mature content.
Fri, July 30, 2021
Page 98: Anne Wilson
When Anne Wilson was growing up, she wanted to be an astronaut. She made plans, started taking classes, and set her hopes on traveling to space. But one tragic summer night in 2017 altered the course of Anne’s life. The death of her brother Jacob, set off a series of events that made clear to Anne that God’s purpose was different than her plan. Anne sang in front of an audience for the very first time at her brother’s funeral. That was also the moment God clearly called Anne to spend her life praising and worshipping Him. Her first song, “My Jesus,” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel music chart.
Fri, July 23, 2021
Page 97: Marcus Rixon
Marcus Rixon grew up in a 12’ x 6’ home with no running water in Kolkata, India. One of the challenges he faced was the box that kids like Marcus grew up in- a box that defined him and his potential, based on where he came from. But his parents prayed for a way out of poverty, and the first answer to that prayer was sponsorship through One Child that allowed him to go to school. It was the beginning of a series of events that radically changed the trajectory of his life.
Fri, July 16, 2021
Page 96: David Zach
Something was gnawing at David Zach. For years he had been performing with his band Remedy Drive, singing and telling people about hope and faith. But when he read scripture, especially the prophets, he felt challenged. He sensed a call to do more on behalf of the poor and the oppressed. That call led this lead-singer of a rock n’roll band to risk his life, working undercover with The Exodus Road to help rescue prisoners of sex trafficking.
Fri, July 09, 2021
Page 95: Tom Frye
When Tom Frye got married, he and his wife knew they wanted to be deliberate about creating a healthy marriage and family. They wanted to do life differently than their parents. But sometimes choosing to do life in a more healthy way, can create conflict. And that conflict can lead to strained relationships that seem impossible to mend. If you’ve struggled with healthy boundaries and strained relationships, Tom’s story will give you hope. Tom is a part of the Frye Family Band, and leads Deliberate Family Events through Family First Ministries.
Fri, July 02, 2021
From the Archive: Page 47: Dallas Jenkins
Nobody sets out to be a failure. But what if failure is exactly what we need? Dallas Jenkins is the director of The Chosen. The first-ever multi-season show about Jesus. But long before The Chosen, Dallas wasn’t interested in making faith-based films. He dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. What God taught Dallas through failure became part of the incredible story that led him to creating The Chosen.
Fri, June 25, 2021
Page 94: Lana Vasquez part 2
When Lana Vasquez met Jesus at 19, she knew she had been rescued to rescue others. Within a few short years, she was a full-time missionary with Life Impact International rescuing kids from trafficking in Thailand. It was a daunting mission, far beyond what she could do in her own strength. In fact, the work often seemed impossible. But when God asks us to do the impossible, and we’re willing to say yes, we are in the perfect position to see the miraculous.
Fri, June 18, 2021
Page 93: Lana Vasquez
Growing up in Southern California, Lana Vasquez found herself looking for love in all the wrong places. By the time she was a teenager she was trapped in an abusive relationship, addicted to alcohol and drugs, and spent her nights as a dancer in the clubs of Hollywood. She was living a fast life, but even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood couldn’t hide the fact that she felt desperately empty. Then at 19 years old, Lana heard the Gospel for the first time. When God rescued her she knew she was called to rescue others. Within 4 years Lana was a full-time missionary rescuing kids in Thailand through the ministry of Life Impact International.
Fri, June 11, 2021
Page 92: Baylor Wilson
When people ask Baylor Wilson, "What happened to you?", the best way she can sum it up is: Jesus happened. At 26, Baylor has lived a life that many only dream about. She thrived as a competitive cheerleader, starred with her mom on Season 29 of the television show Survivor, and landed a country music publishing deal, all before graduating from college. But success didn’t translate into happiness or feeling fulfilled, until Jesus happened.
Fri, June 04, 2021
From the Archive: Page 6: Kevin and Jamie Crosier
If your goal in life is to be happy, what do you do when your marriage makes you unhappy? For Jaime Crosier, the answer was to move on. When Kevin and Jaime met, their life of partying together was nonstop fun. But after marriage, a child and an affair- happiness was long gone. It would take a movie and miraculous intervention to change their path toward divorce.
Fri, May 28, 2021
Page 91: Kyle Swanson
Pray for our troops. It’s a great phrase to post on social media, put on a bumper sticker, or a sign in your yard. But Captain Kyle Swanson lived it. During his time in the military, he watched prayer change things- change the weather, change the course of a grenade, literally save lives. When Kyle says prayer changes things it’s not a trite phrase. It’s his real-life experience, and he wants you to know your prayers can change things, too.
Fri, May 28, 2021
Page 91: Kyle Swanson
Pray for our troops. It’s a great phrase to post on social media, put on a bumper sticker, or a sign in your yard. But Captain Kyle Swanson lived it. During his time in the military, he watched prayer change things- change the weather, change the course of a grenade, literally save lives. When Kyle says prayer changes things it’s not a trite phrase. It’s his real-life experience, and he wants you to know your prayers can change things, too.
Fri, May 21, 2021
Page 90: Emma Villanueva
Healing can be a mysterious thing. Sometimes God answers our prayers. Sometimes we don’t see the miracle we are hoping for. For Emma Villanueva, both are true. As a young girl she was miraculously healed, saved from a surgery that would have left her wheelchair-bound for the rest of her life. Then as a teenager, Emma was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. In the years since, she has watched her body grow increasingly weak. What happens to your faith when you know God can heal, but He doesn’t?
Fri, May 14, 2021
Page 89: Chris and Denise Benyo
What if we looked at life as if everything was a miracle? That’s much easier when life is going well. When Chris and Denise Benyo got married, they were looking forward to a bright and beautiful future. But within months, Denise was diagnosed with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, called ALS. How do you see everything as a miracle, while you’re facing a terminal diagnosis?
Fri, May 07, 2021
Page 88: Laura Piraino
No matter what you go through, as long as you are holding on to Jesus, you can stand. That seemed to be the recurring theme of the Bible stories Laura Piraino studied as she was leading a women’s ministry. It’s one thing to teach it, but it’s another to live it out. How do you hold on to Jesus when you are robbed of your sense of safety; when the place that had been your sanctuary becomes a crime scene?
Fri, April 30, 2021
Page 87: Adam and Christina Hannan
Jesus said everyone who hears his words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down and the winds blew, yet it did not fall. Adam and Christina Hannan were trying to raise their family on a firm foundation. For years they made a habit of reading Jesus’ words and putting them into practice. But their faith had never really been tested. That all changed the day their son Myles was born.
Fri, April 23, 2021
Page 86: Sparkle Sanders
Sparkle Sanders was driven to succeed in everything she did. One of her greatest fears was failure. Nothing made her feel more like a failure than motherhood. When Sparkle became a mom, it didn’t look anything like what she expected. Every day has hard, and the struggle with postpartum depression made her feel miles away from God.
Fri, April 16, 2021
Page 85: Tracy Hoth
When Tracy Hoth first met Jesus, it was fun and dynamic. Her life changed almost overnight. But as the years went by, faith became more of a responsibility than a relationship with the Creator. Prayer and reading the Bible felt like a duty, but didn’t bring life or joy. But God continued to pursue Tracy, confirming she could trust him, even when her son was in a traumatic accident. ()
Fri, April 09, 2021
Page 84: Lydia Laird
For so long there has been a stigma around issues of mental health, including among believers in Jesus. For many of us, we assume depression and anxiety are issues we can fix, if we read the Bible or pray more. Lydia Laird knew God was calling her to write and perform music about her faith, but she was struggling with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For years she carried shame because she just couldn’t fix it.
Fri, April 02, 2021
From the Archive: Page 43: A Resurrection Story - Dean Braxton
What if you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that heaven is real and you could spend eternity with Jesus? If you could see it with your own eyes, would that change you? Dean Braxton was a normal guy, living a pretty normal life, when he had an out of this world experience that changed him forever.
Fri, March 26, 2021
Page 83: Marie Kuck
Is there purpose for the pain and loss we experience? That’s been a question that Marie Kuck has grappled with throughout her life. As the mother of a special needs child, she has lived face to face and heart to heart with the challenges of disability. She’s been forced to ask tough questions, like how do you process grief, while holding on to hope? And how can God take heartache and work it for good? If you struggled with these questions, Marie’s story will help you believe that hope lives, even in the shadow of grief.
Fri, March 19, 2021
Page 82: Gary and Kelly Miracle part 2
After a sudden illness and 107 days in the hospital, Gary Miracle came home to a radically different life. He had lost all four limbs. Gary and Kelly held on to the belief that God would not allow something so big and drastic in his life, if He didn’t plan to use it in a big way. Gary’s story became the inspiration for MercyMe’s song and video, “Say I Won’t.”
Fri, March 12, 2021
Page 81: Gary and Kelly Miracle
Gary and Kelly Miracle were living a very typical life when Gary suddenly became sick. He was admitted to the hospital, his kidneys began to fail, and he fell into septic shock. In a matter of days, life as they knew it changed forever. Gary is the inspiration for Mercy Me's song, "Say I Won't.
Fri, March 05, 2021
From the Archive: Page 49: Mandisa
Mandisa is best known for singing powerful, upbeat songs of faith. When her close friend Kisha was diagnosed with cancer, Mandisa was confident God would heal her. When He didn’t, she fell into a deep depression that nearly claimed her life.
Fri, February 26, 2021
From the Archive: Page 25: Jason Gray
Have you ever felt like the foundation of your faith was crumbling? It's a hard experience for anyone, but especially difficult if you are an artist who has built your career on songs of faith. Jason Gray shares his story and a song inspired by his journey in this episode of The Unfolding.
Fri, February 19, 2021
Page 80: Dani Burton
Many people thought Dani Burton was a lost cause. From the time she was young she was searching for love and affirmation in all the wrong places. Drinking and drugs led to shame, addiction and eventually prison. She would walk through heartbreaking loss before she finally understood that God saw her as worthy, beautiful and beloved.
Fri, February 12, 2021
Page 79: Ryan and MJ Otto
Ryan Otto wanted the fairytale marriage and family he missed out on as a child. But he was paralyzed by the fear of choosing the wrong person or repeating his parents’ mistakes. Mary Jane was confident of one thing, she would never marry a pastor. It seemed to be an impossible situation, but it was actually an only-God-could-do-this kind of love story.
Fri, February 05, 2021
Page 78: Blake and Melinda Mattocks
We all long to be loved and accepted. When people shower us with attention, it can be intoxicating. But when they repeatedly reject us, the wounds can be deep and long-lasting. The rejection Blake Mattocks experienced as a teenager forged a deep and festering anger that led him to a very dark place.
Fri, January 29, 2021
Page 77: Gracia Burnham
For missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, a night of celebration turned into a nightmare. On May 27, 2001, they were kidnapped from a resort in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf. They were held hostage for more than a year, forced to march through the jungle with little food, no clean water, and witnessing atrocities along the way. It was a year that would test their faith beyond anything they had experienced before.
Fri, January 22, 2021
Page 76: Daniel Goulet
Empty- that was how Daniel Goulet described his life. He tried to fill the void with drinking, drugs, and pornography, but nothing worked. As he spiraled into addiction and despair, he began thinking of suicide. That’s when he had a supernatural encounter that offered a way out.
Fri, January 15, 2021
Page 75: Daniel Massieh
Daniel Massieh was a young man in Egypt when he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus. His first question was “Lord why didn’t I know you sooner? Why didn’t someone tell me about you?” He had a passion to share the love of Jesus with everyone he met. But telling people about Jesus came with a cost - rejection, persecution, and prison.
Fri, January 08, 2021
Page 74: Kelly Denham
How do you trust God as you watch your child suffer and your prayers seem to go unanswered? That was the unwelcome journey of Kelly Denham’s life. Kelly’s son T.J. experienced a brain injury when a mistake was made during heart surgery. For years, T.J. suffered and Kelly struggled to help, cope, and hang onto her faith.
Fri, January 01, 2021
From the Archive: Page 1: Joe Buchanan
What if you grew up believing you were unlovable? Going from foster home to foster home, Joe Buchanan believed there must be something wrong with him. It would take a supernatural act of love to change his life.
Fri, December 25, 2020
Page 73: A Different Kind of Christmas
When Christmas doesn’t go the way we hope, it can be disappointing. But sometimes when things don’t go according to plan, it turns out to make some of our most precious memories. In this special episode, we share the stories of three people who had a different kind of Christmas.
Fri, December 18, 2020
Page 72: Angels Unaware
All throughout the story of Jesus’ birth, there are encounters with angels. In fact, the scriptures, both Old and New Testament, are full of these stories. But many of us are perplexed by these spiritual beings. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Do people still encounter angels today?
Fri, December 11, 2020
Page 71: Stephanie Cockrell
The trauma and abuse Stephanie Cockrell experienced as a child left her with a deep-seeded, all-consuming anger. She moved through life ready to fight anyone that crossed her path. But at the same time, she was desperately looking for hope and love. She wanted to believe that somehow all of those traumatic experiences could be redeemed and that she could be free from the prison of anger, and maybe even help others find freedom too.
Fri, December 04, 2020
From the Archive: Page 31: Angels
You can’t read the Christmas story without bumping into angels. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds all encountered them. Do people still encounter angels today? That’s the question we asked, and the stories we share will fill you with wonder and hope.
Fri, November 27, 2020
From the Archive: Page 27: Micah Tyler
Sometimes God gives us the choice to sacrifice something, and then trust that He is going to provide. Micah Tyler is a singer and songwriter whose career started when he and his wife decided to give up safety and security and trust God to meet their family’s needs. That experience taught them a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness that has sustained them through literal and figurative storms.
Fri, November 20, 2020
Page 70: Justi Hudson
Justi Hudson desperately wanted to adopt a baby. When a birth mom chose Justi and her husband, they believed their prayers had finally been answered. But the process of adoption can be both exhilarating and heart breaking. It would stretch her faith farther than she had ever trusted God before.
Fri, November 13, 2020
Page 69: Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler had it all. As a host on QVC, he had a successful career, money, and a dream home to share with his wife Beth. He was a driven man who rarely had time to sit and enjoy life. But when Beth was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, his priorities were turned upside down, but ultimately right side up.
Fri, November 06, 2020
Page 68: Jordan St. Cyr
Jordan St. Cyr had always believed the way to your dreams was through grit and hard work. He knew God had called him to be a songwriter, so he was determined to make it happen. But what if the way to your dreams isn’t through determination, but through surrender? Jordan is the co-writer of the song, “Fires,” – a song that has become their family’s anthem as they walk through pain and suffering.
Fri, October 30, 2020
Page 67: Lauren Banik
Lauren Banik had grown up with broken relationships, particularly with the men in her life. Without even realizing it, she was searching for something that would make her feel loved, honored, and respected. God showed up in the middle of dysfunction, to bring hope and healing. This episode contains mature content. It may be difficult to hear, especially for those who have experienced sexual abuse.
Fri, October 23, 2020
Page 66: Sameed Osman
Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Sameed Osman studied Islam and trained to be a defender of the faith. The only thing that matched his passion for Islam, was his distaste for Christians. He relished the idea of humiliating believers and destroying their faith. In his own words, he was the last person on the planet who would follow Jesus.
Fri, October 16, 2020
Page 65: Dick and Lou Hohulin
Every day we are bombarded with messages about what we need in order to be happy. Dick and Lou Hohulin pursued none of that. They moved to a remote village in the Philippines and labored for years to share the hope of Jesus before they ever saw a single convert to Christianity. Instead of chasing success, they have given their lives to partner with God, and they have lived an incredible adventure. They are the happiest people on the planet.
Fri, October 09, 2020
Page 64: Kim Cash Tate
Kim Cash Tate was a woman driven by her goals. After her parents’ divorce, she grew up focusing on getting a good job and making a whole lot of money. She was inclined to cling to success and the security she believed would come from it. She was well on her way to achieving those goals when God interrupted her plan and showed her what she really needed.
Fri, October 02, 2020
Page 63: John Reimer
In the blink of an eye, life can change. A lightning strike lasts only a fraction of a second, but that was long enough to change John Reimer’s life. The chance of being struck by lightning this year is something like one in 500,000. To be the victim of such a rare and catastrophic event would cause many people to live in fear. How could such an unusual accident leave someone feeling fearless and full of peace?
Fri, September 25, 2020
Page 62: Brant Hansen
Brant Hansen’s early years seemed perfectly designed to create a skeptic. Growing up in church, he was exposed to some hard things. He learned that what is presented from a platform is not always genuine. How does an analytical, question-asking skeptic come to a place where he is willing to cash everything in to follow Jesus?
Fri, September 18, 2020
Page 61: Tammy Trent
It’s easy to trust the hand of God when your life is going well. It’s another thing to trust Him when everything is shaken to the core. When Tammy Trent’s husband died unexpectedly, she was forced to choose – Was she going to run toward God, or away? Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, Tammy’s story and what she’s learned on the journey with grief will encourage you.
Fri, September 11, 2020
From the Archive: Page 28: Laura Story
What happens when a detour in life turns into a permanent, unwelcome journey? When Laura Story's husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor, they prayed for healing and a return to their hopes and dreams. But God's vision for their life was a different plan, including finding unexpected joy in surrender.
Fri, September 04, 2020
From the Archive: Page 2: Steven Curtis Chapman
From a very early age, Steven Curtis Chapman felt compelled to fix what was broken- to keep the peace, avoid conflict and make people happy. So what do you do when your family’s heartache is so deep, it can’t be fixed this side of heaven?
Fri, August 28, 2020
Page 60: Sabrina Scott
When Sabrina Scott was diagnosed with lupus as a teenager, she wondered what she had done to deserve it. God was allowing it and she believed she had no say, no control, and no hope that God would change it. She couldn’t imagine that one day both her body and her faith would be transformed.
Fri, August 21, 2020
Page 59: Kati Pessin
If you or someone you love has struggled with anxiety or depression, you know how crippling that can be. For Kati Pessin, depression was something she first grappled with as a middle schooler and it’s been a part of her life since. The struggle has taken her to the lowest moments of her life, but it’s also been a place where God has revealed her need for him and his love for her in a very powerful way.
Fri, August 14, 2020
Page 58: Josh Lauritch
When you’re good at what you do, it’s easy for work to become your identity. Josh Lauritch had found his dream job, working in the music business. But somewhere along the way his career became his source of significance. So what happens when you lose your job and your identity?
Fri, August 07, 2020
Page 57: Kat Lee
Kat Lee wanted to be a great mom. But growing up without a mother left her feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. She was desperate for help. That’s when God stepped in with a simple directive that changed her life and eventually impacted thousands of others. Kat Lee is the founder of HelloMornings.org and is passionate about teaching others how to jump-start each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine.
Fri, July 31, 2020
Page 56: Mark Bettinger
From the time he was young, Mark Bettinger understood that his life was in God’s hands. As a baby he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic illness that has no cure, requires hours of treatment every day, and typically takes decades off of life expectancy. That reality could cause many to live in anxiety and fear. But Mark was born with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to say yes when God asks, "Will you trust me?"
Wed, July 22, 2020
Page 55: Sarah Yeackley
Somewhere deep in our hearts many of us believe that if we serve God and make the right choices, then life will be good. That was true for Sarah Yeackley. She had started following Jesus as a little girl. While her life hadn’t been perfect, nothing happened that would challenge her belief that if you do good, then God will make sure good things happen. All of that changed the day she walked into an ultrasound appointment and heard devastating news.
Fri, July 17, 2020
Page 54: Jeremy Camp
Jeremy Camp is a singer and songwriter whose story has been told in music and in a movie about his life. One of his most well-known songs is a simple but powerful declaration of faith. "I Still Believe" was written in a time of deep heartache and grief. As a young man, he had to make a choice. Would he trust that God is good even when life is not, or walk away from his faith? That heartbreaking season forged a faith that has been the foundation of Jeremy’s life.
Fri, July 10, 2020
Page 53: Suzanne Happs
Why does God lead us into hard valleys? Suzanne Happs had already been through a really tough season of life, and it seemed that God had led her to that place. Just as she got her footing, they received devastating news – their son had major health challenges and they had no health insurance. It’s a story about learning to trust that God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
Fri, July 03, 2020
Page 52: Rechab Gray
How does the shyest, most introverted guy respond to a call to be a preacher? Rechab Gray decided to run. He couldn't see how God could use him. He was petrified at public speaking, even having conversations with an acquaintance made him sweat. Rechab found you can run from God's call, but you cannot hide. )
Fri, June 26, 2020
Page 51: Randy and Monica Zachary
Randy and Monica Zachary had been married and in ministry for 10 years. As a pastor and pastor’s wife, they did what they had always done – put on a happy face and pretend that everything was okay. But it was not okay. Secrets of alcoholism, deceit, and infidelity were killing their marriage. It would take a supernatural force to bring them back from the brink of divorce.
Fri, June 12, 2020
Page 50: Dianne Leman
When the only thing in the world you want is a baby, hearing a doctor say your chances are slim is devastating. Dianne Leman always knew she wanted to have a big family. But she and her husband Happy struggled with infertility for years. Their desperate search for help led them on a journey that radically transformed not only their family, but their faith and future.
Fri, June 05, 2020
Page 49: Mandisa
Mandisa is best known for singing powerful, upbeat songs of faith. When her close friend Kisha was diagnosed with cancer, Mandisa was confident God would heal her. When He didn’t, she fell into a deep depression that nearly claimed her life.
Fri, May 29, 2020
Page 48: Jeanie Thomas
How do you live out your faith in relationship with a child who rejects it? When Kevin and Jeanie Thomas' daughter announced she was leaving home and leaving her faith, they were stunned. They had done their best to lead their kids to Jesus. What followed was an incredible journey of loving their daughter, even through the valley of the shadow of death.
Fri, May 22, 2020
Page 47: Dallas Jenkins
Nobody sets out to be a failure. But what if failure is exactly what we need? Dallas Jenkins is the director of The Chosen. The first-ever multi-season show about Jesus. But long before The Chosen, Dallas wasn’t interested in making faith-based films. He dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. What God taught Dallas through failure became part of the incredible story that led him to creating The Chosen.
Fri, May 08, 2020
Page 46: Jo Saxton
Jo Saxton is one of those people who seems naturally gifted to lead. She’s an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. But the early years of her life were filled with experiences that fed a deep insecurity. Her gifts and talents were buried beneath the weight of the baggage she carried. If you’ve ever questioned whether God could use even you, you’ll want to hear Jo’s story.
Fri, May 01, 2020
Page 45: John Karakian
John Karakian has never really thought of himself as an evangelist. He’s just a guy who really loves his dog and his neighbors. John and Buddy met thousands as they walked the streets of suburban Detroit for 12 years. John had no idea that God could use something as simple as a chocolate lab to connect searching people with genuine hope.
Fri, April 24, 2020
Page 44: Joy Sheehan
How do you keep going when you’ve lost someone you love? Joy Sheehan has experienced the unthinkable. She has walked through the valley of grief, and what she’s learned will give you hope and maybe even help you find gratitude in the process.
Fri, April 10, 2020
Page 43: Dean Braxton
What if you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that heaven is real and you could spend eternity with Jesus? If you could see it with your own eyes, would that change you? Dean Braxton was a normal guy, living a pretty normal life, when he had an out of this world experience that changed him forever.
Fri, April 03, 2020
Page 42: John Brock
One of our fears about the coronavirus is that someone we love will get sick. What would happen to our health, our family, our faith? In February 2019, Coach John Brock traveled to France to work with a ministry. Stories of the spread of the coronavirus were just beginning, so John and his wife were very careful. It wasn’t until John returned to the United States that he realized something wasn’t quite right. Hear his story of beating COVID 19, and how God gave him hope and peace, even in the hardest moments.
Fri, March 27, 2020
Page 41: Dave Butts
Is it possible to have peace regardless of your circumstances, even when facing coronavirus? Dave Butts was in the middle of writing a book about peace when he learned he had Stage IV cancer. Hear Dave’s story plus an update to our original interview, sharing how you can have peace even in the midst of Covid 19.
Fri, March 06, 2020
Page 40: Sarah Derocha
As a Level 1 trauma nurse, Sarah Derocha had been trained to handle life and death situations. On a medical mission trip to a remote area of Bolivia, she was critically injured in a bus accident. Because of her experience, she knew her chances were slim. The only way she could survive would be if God intervened.
Fri, February 28, 2020
Page 39: Jessie
For decades Jessie believed that what happened to her as a teenager was her fault. The secret shame she carried was like a chain around her neck, dragging her down and affecting every relationship in her life. Drugs were a way to mask the pain, and eventually, addiction took everything- her kids, her relationships, and her career.
Fri, February 21, 2020
Page 38: Kellie Penn
What happens to your faith when life doesn't follow your plan? Kellie Penn has always been a planner. She had a vision for what her life would be like, and she was confident God would be on board. But beginning in her childhood, life took a detour. What unfolded was a story that she would never have chosen- an unexpected journey through heartache to joy.
Fri, February 14, 2020
Page 37: Michele Cushatt
Michele Cushatt spent her life checking boxes, doing what good Christian girls do.Then one thing after another went horribly wrong and she was left wondering if God was real, and if He cared at all about her suffering. How do you hold onto faith when it seems like God Himself is gone?
Fri, February 07, 2020
Page 36: Habeeb Habeeb
Adversity can destroy us or make us stronger. As a child, Habeeb Habeeb was painfully shy and sheltered. Then a war stranded him thousands of miles from his family and far outside his comfort zone. The only thing he had left to hang on to, was his faith.
Fri, January 31, 2020
Page 35: Kari Bollant
Kari Bollant’s life changed when she experienced God’s love. The woman who once had been paralyzed by fear became willing to go anywhere God directed – neighborhoods, college bars, strip clubs and beyond, just to share God’s love. If you long for a more adventurous life, you’ll want to hear her story.
Fri, January 24, 2020
Page 34: Gina Copeland
Growing up with a toxic father had distorted Gina Copeland’s view of God. If fathers get angry, drink too much and abandon you, why would you ever trust them? It would take a relentless pursuit, and an overwhelming love of God to change her heart and her view of fathers.
Fri, January 17, 2020
Page 33: Trent and Lydia Hol
It’s hard to surrender our lives to God. It’s even harder to surrender our kids. When their daughter was diagnosed with cancer, Trent and Lydia Hol were faced with the reality that they couldn’t control their world or their daughter’s healing. All they could do was surrender.
Fri, January 10, 2020
Page 32: Kenji Gallo
How does a kid from southern California end up in the mafia? Kenji Gallo soon realized that “the life” wasn’t the glitz, money, and glamour he had imagined, and there seemed to be no way out. When the FBI offered him a fresh start, he thought that would change his life. But it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus that he finally experienced hope and freedom.
Fri, December 20, 2019
Page 31: Angels
You can’t read the Christmas story without bumping into angels. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds all encountered them. Do people still encounter angels today? That’s the question we asked, and the stories we share will fill you with wonder and hope.
Fri, December 13, 2019
Page 30: Valena Claiborne
When someone you love is in the throes of drug addiction, there is a cost. For Valena Claiborne, her mother’s drug use brought a high price. She lost her job, their home, and most of their possessions. But the even bigger cost for Valena was the loss of love, trust, and respect- Not just in her mom, but in God.
Fri, December 06, 2019
Page 29: Eltricia Lindsey
Eltricia Lindsey only wanted to try drugs. She never wanted to get addicted. She just wanted to do things her way. Her journey to humility included pain, prison, and eventually an encounter with God that set her free.
Fri, November 22, 2019
Page 28: Laura Story
What happens when a detour in life turns into a permanent, unwelcome journey? When Laura Story's husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor, they prayed for healing and a return to their hopes and dreams. But God's vision for their life was a different plan, including finding unexpected joy in surrender.
Fri, November 15, 2019
Page 27: Micah Tyler
Sometimes God gives us the choice to sacrifice something, and then trust that He is going to provide what we need. Micah Tyler is a singer and songwriter whose career started when he and his wife decided to give up safety and security and trust God to provide. That experience taught them a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness that has sustained them through literal and figurative storms.
Fri, November 08, 2019
Page 26: JK Wilson
For years JK Wilson locked away the traumatic experience that led to the birth of her son. After giving him up for adoption, she believed that part of her story was over. But God has a way of making beauty from ashes.
Fri, November 01, 2019
Page 25: Jason Gray
Have you ever felt like the foundation of your faith was crumbling? It's a hard experience for anyone, but especially if you are an artist who has built your career on songs of faith. Jason Gray share his story, his journey back to faith, and a new song in this episode of The Unfolding
Fri, October 25, 2019
Page 24: Megan Thompson
Thirty years old with stage 4 cancer and a treatment plan that doesn't seem to be working - that is the unwelcome journey for Megan Thompson. How can you face such physical hardship and bitter disappointment, and not get angry with God? And if you do feel angry, can you still have faith?
Fri, October 18, 2019
Page 23: Darren and Sarah Clare
The Unfolding has been bringing stories of actual people that have been a witness to the mighty power of our God! Listening to the people come forward with their experience of what God can do in everyone's lives is so uplifting!! Reality!! Praying and believing is more powerful than any kind of drug/alcohol ever created by man. Believing that our father is real and alive can transform anyone's life!!
Fri, October 11, 2019
Page 22: Carl Parks
When Carl Parks lost his son in a tragic accident, he was desperate for two things: to know that C.J. was in heaven, and that God would somehow use this tragedy for good. God kept his promise and brought good out of the heartbreaking.
Fri, October 04, 2019
Page 21: Carl Parks
When Carl Parks was young, he didn’t care about anyone, not even himself. Knee deep in drugs and alcohol, he was on his way to self-destruction. But a simple, unlikely act of kindness changed his heart and his life.
Fri, September 20, 2019
Page 20: Brittany Frost
Have you ever been afraid that God might call you out of your comfort zone? Brittany Frost had always tried to do things by the book. But a Bible study on the Holy Spirit challenged her to pray, “God, whatever you want, I’ll do it.” God lead her on a journey far outside the comfort zone, to the other side of the world, and radically changed her home. (key words: miscarriage, adoption, orphan care)
Fri, September 13, 2019
Page 19: Julia Wilson
When Julia Wilson's son came home from Afghanistan, she breathed a sigh of relief. But not long after he arrived, she began to see symptoms of PTSD. She had no idea of the depth of his struggle, and no idea how much she would need God to help her through the days ahead.
Fri, August 30, 2019
Page 17: Kim Kidd
Kim Kidd didn’t think she needed God until she was facing a 50-year prison sentence. She couldn’t imagine spending the rest of her life in jail, so she asked God to take her life. But God had another kind of freedom in mind for Kim, including transforming her life from cocaine dealer to the first woman to receive clemency in the state of Indiana.
Fri, August 23, 2019
Page 16: Darren Mulligan
Stubborn, selfish, angry, adulterer. All words that Darren Mulligan uses to describe who he was as a young adult. Although he indulged every desire, he was miserable. When his girlfriend told him she had met Jesus, Darren wasn’t happy for her, he was actually angry. But her transformation was the beginning of a life-changing journey for Darren- one that would lead to him sharing the Gospel with thousands as lead singer of We Are Messengers.
Fri, August 16, 2019
Page 15: Brenda Nevitt
How do you trust God when your dreams are shattered? Brenda Nevitt was devastated when her husband B.G. was killed in a motorcycle accident. But she knew God would get her through. She had experienced His faithfulness first-hand when she walked through an unthinkable tragedy less than a decade before. No matter what your loss, Brenda’s story will give you hope and encouragement.
Fri, August 09, 2019
Page 14: Jason and Sallie Hanson
For Jason Hanson being a Christian wasn’t about being transformed by God. It was more about believing he was better than other people. After pushing away doubts and questions for years, he finally told his wife Sallie he was an atheist. He began a journey to find out what was true. What he discovered changed his mind, but it would take God to change his heart.
Thu, August 01, 2019
Page 13: Elisha Kearns
One of Elisha Kearns greatest desires was to have a baby. Doctors told her she had a 3% chance of conceiving because of PCOS. The journey of infertility brought her to a place of desperation and leaning on God in a way she never had before. How do you wait for what God promised when your arms are empty?
Fri, July 26, 2019
Page 12: Dave Butts
Dave Butts was in the middle of writing a book about peace when he found out he had stage 4, incurable cancer. For most of us, that news would rock our world and challenge our faith. But God had been teaching Dave about the gift of peace that He wants to give every one of us- A peace that doesn’t change with our circumstances. If you ever struggle with worry or anxiety, you’ll want to hear Dave’s story.
Fri, July 19, 2019
Page 11: Robert Nabulere
Robert grew up in the poorest part of rural Uganda. For perspective, he got his first pair of shoes when he was 14. His father told him if he would just get a good education, then he would find a fulfilling and happy life. Miraculously, Robert made it to college, but once he was there, he realized education would not be his savior. He set out on a journey to find a higher purpose in life, and boy did he. You will love hearing this joyful, miraculous story.
Fri, July 05, 2019
Page 10: Kacy Harris
When Kacy Harris found out she was expecting a child, the whole family was excited. But then they learned their baby might have Trisomy 18 and likely would not survive. Although she had been a Christian for more than 30 years, this was the first time Kacy felt God next to her, carrying her through.
Fri, June 28, 2019
Page 9: Jim Eisenmenger
Control seems like such a good thing, but God calls us to let go and let Him direct our path. For Jim Eisenmenger, that was tough, particularly when his wife felt called to something that seemed so risky. That’s when God used a Christian music festival to change Jim’s heart and loosen his grip on control.
Fri, June 21, 2019
Page 8: Michelle Lewis
What do you do when God calls you to let go of your dream, but hold on to Him? That was the painful place Michelle Lewis found herself. And it’s also the place where she found a hope stronger than anything she’d ever experienced.
Fri, June 14, 2019
Page 7: Mark Schultz
Mark Schultz had always felt a drive to succeed. As the only adopted child in his family, it seemed to be a way to guarantee his adoptive parents would know they had picked the right kid. If he was the starting quarterback, the pitcher on the state championship team, the singer and songwriter who got standing ovations – that surely meant he was special. It wasn’t until Mark held his own adopted daughter that he finally had a revelation about God’s love for him.
Fri, June 07, 2019
Page 6: Kevin and Jamie Crosier
If your goal in life is to be happy, what do you do when your marriage makes you unhappy? For Jaime Crosier, the answer was to move on. When Kevin and Jaime met, their life of partying together was nonstop fun. But after marriage, a child and an affair- happiness was long gone. It would take a movie and miraculous intervention to change their path toward divorce.
Fri, May 31, 2019
Page 5: Kathy Garrison
Kathy Garrison’s dream of a safe and simple life radically changed when God broke her heart for orphans. She thought adopting a child would be their family's big leap of faith. It turned out only to be the beginning.
Fri, May 24, 2019
Page 4: Clay Harrington
For Clay Harrington, being a stutterer meant a childhood of teasing and humiliation every time he spoke in front of the class. That experience made him certain of one thing - he would never be a public speaker, and certainly not the preacher that his mother said he would become.
Fri, May 17, 2019
Page 3: Tina Zimmerman
Long after Tina Zimmerman gave up on her father, her mother continued to pray that one day he would be saved. There was no earthly reason to believe it would happen. He was too far gone. But then God did something stunning.
Fri, May 10, 2019
Page 2: Steven Curtis Chapman
From a very early age, Steven Curtis Chapman felt compelled to fix what was broken- to keep the peace, avoid conflict and make people happy. So what do you do when your family’s heartache is so deep, it can’t be fixed this side of heaven?
Wed, April 24, 2019
Page 1: Joe Buchanan
What if you grew up believing you were unlovable? What kind of person would you become? Many people believed Joe Buchanan would end up in prison, on drugs or dead. It would take a supernatural act of love to change his path.
Wed, April 24, 2019
Page 1: Joe Buchanan
What if you grew up believing you were unlovable? What kind of person would you become? Many people believed Joe Buchanan would end up in prison, on drugs or dead. It would take a supernatural act of love to change his path.
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