The Unfolding

  Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, two remarkable World Trade Center survivors tell the story of the day they met as strangers and walked out as brothers.  Brian Clark and Stanley Praimnath were both inside the South Tower on September 11, 2001. Stanley was on the 81st floor when United Airlines Flight 175 came directly toward him. Brian was on the 84th floor when the tower was hit. In the chaos that followed, Brian heard Stanley calling for help and made a decision that would change both of their lives forever. Only 18 people survived from the impact zone or above in the South Tower. Brian and Stanley were two of them.  In this special 9/11 25th anniversary episode of The Unfolding, they share what they saw, how they escaped, the extraordinary moments they still cannot fully explain, and how 9/11 transformed their understanding of faith and God's presence in the darkest moments.  Their story is more than a remarkable account of survival. It is the story of two men who entered the World Trade Center as strangers and came out as brothers.

    Joshua Broome spent years trying to outrun rejection and prove he was worthy of love, but success in the pornography industry only left him more broken and ashamed. Then Jesus met him in the middle of his mess, and today Joshua is a husband, a father of four, and a son who found the freedom to forgive his own dad. In his latest book, 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life, Joshua exposes the empty promises that once shaped his life and points others toward the redemption he found in Jesus.

  It was a story that made national headlines. In April of 2019, a five-year-old boy was thrown from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America by a stranger. Landen Hoffman's injuries were catastrophic, and his survival was uncertain. But his mother, Kari, responded with unshakable faith. Drawing on what she'd learned growing up in church, Kari immediately turned to prayer, refusing to give in to fear or hatred.  Landen spent four months in the hospital, facing multiple surgeries, serious complications, and long, painful nights. There were setbacks that baffled even his doctors. Yet Kari never stopped believing for complete healing. Kari Hoffman is sharing their story through her book, Miracle at the Mall. This is the incredible account of a mother's fierce faith, a miraculous recovery, and a God who still moves mountains.    Show notes:  Miracle at the Mall Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mall-Hoffmann-Survived-39-Foot-High/dp/B0DZBX3XNK  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari_hoffmann_5/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kari.hoffmann.52 

    When Jacob Coyne saw his father transformed by Jesus, he wanted that same hope for himself. That decision began a chain reaction that would bring hope to others facing some of their darkest moments.  Jacob's book, The Secret Life of Christians 

We'd love to hear what God has done in your life. Share your story.     After experiencing sexual abuse, the death of her father, a move from New York to Puerto Rico, and years of bullying and rejection, Christine D'Clario was angry with God. She blamed Him for her pain and wanted nothing to do with Him.  But that wasn't the end of her story.  In this episode from The Unfolding archives, Christine shares honestly about the encounter with Jesus that changed her life, as well as her later battle with postpartum depression and thoughts of suicide. Today, she is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and worship leader whose music reaches millions around the world—and she uses her story to offer hope to others facing depression and mental-health challenges.  Content note: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse, postpartum depres sion, and suicidal ideation.  Show Notes:  Website:   https://christinedclario.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinedclariomusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinedclario/

After four years of infertility, Debbie Simmons was shocked and ecstatic to learn she was expecting four babies. But when complications came much too early, she lost all four of her sons. As Debbie walked through unimaginable grief, God gave her enough light for each next step. Exactly seven years later, five children entered her home through adoption, turning April 1 into a day of God's faithfulness and redemption.

  How can knowing your God-given identity change the way you respond to fear, conflict, and uncertainty?  As a young police officer in Washington, D.C., Jamie Winship quickly realized that his training alone couldn't prepare him for the situations he faced. He began learning how to hear God's voice and trust His direction, even when it led to unconventional and seemingly impossible solutions. That journey eventually took Jamie from confronting gang violence in Washington to serving in some of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world, including the Middle East.  In this remarkable conversation from The Unfolding archives, Jamie shares gripping stories about following God into dangerous places, becoming a peacemaker, overcoming fear, and discovering the freedom that comes from knowing your true identity in Christ.  Jamie Winship is the author of Living Fearless and The War of Worldviews, and co-founder of Identity Exchange with his wife, Donna. Learn more at IdentityExchange.com.  Show Notes:   Website: https://www.identityexchange.com/  Antioch Church Camp session 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-discovering-your-unique-identity-unlocking/id1845880674?i=1000741926271  Antioch Church Camp session 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-challenges-triumphs-and-profound/id1845880674?i=1000741926337  Antioch Church Camp session 3:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-the-transformative-power-of/id1845880674?i=1000741926767  Antioch Church Camp session 4: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-actively-engaging-with-god-prayer-trust/id1845880674?i=1000741926768  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thejamiewinship  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thejamiewinship/ 

Doctors kept giving Sierra Emison more reasons to worry about her unborn daughter, but she kept feeling like God was telling her to trust Him. Through prayer, people around her, and even the words "miracle child," Sierra felt encouraged again and again. Today, McKenna is 21 months old, growing, thriving, and still surprising doctors. 

Justin and Trisha Davis appeared to be living the dream- a beautiful family, successful ministry, and a future filled with promise. After planting their first church, Justin had an affair with a staff member who was also Trisha's best friend. Their marriage, family and careers were simultaneously blown apart, and they were forced to come to terms with their brokenness.  It seemed their story would be one of failure and loss, but Justin and Trisha found grace, healing and redemption for even the most shattered parts of their lives.  Justin and Trisha are the founders of RefineUs.org and the authors of One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back.  Show Notes:   Website: https://www.refineus.org/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/best-sellers-books-Amazon/zgbs/books/7259415011/ref=zg_bs_pg_2_books?_encoding=UTF8&pg=2 

    Jessica Ronne was caring for her son Lucas, who has profound disabilities, while trying to meet a book deadline and lead a nonprofit. She felt frustrated that caregiving kept interrupting what she believed was her important work. Then God showed her that caring for Lucas was holy work. Years later, that quiet faithfulness grew into a home where Lucas and three other adults with disabilities can thrive.  Learn more about Jessica Ronne and find encouragement and resources for caregivers at jessronne.com 

  Scott Spiezio knew God. During some of the best years of his Major League Baseball career, he was surrounded by believers and openly sharing his faith. But after reaching the height of success, Scott moved away from what had kept him grounded. As addiction took hold, shame told him he was too far gone, while the mindset that made him a champion convinced him he could save himself. He couldn't. What changed everything was surrender.  Now Scott is sharing his story through his new book, The Hardest Comeback, and Spiezio, a documentary about his life. He hopes they will reach people who need to know that addiction does not have to be the end of their story.  Scott played 12 seasons in the major leagues, winning World Series championships with the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. Cardinals fans may remember the soul patch he dyed bright red during the 2006 championship run. But behind the success, addiction was taking hold. After 11 trips to rehab, Scott entered the hospital with a failing liver and only a 20-percent chance of survival.  Scott first shared his story with The Unfolding in 2023. Now, eight years sober, he returns with an update about restored relationships, people finding hope through his story, and how God is using the most painful parts of his past.  Show Notes:   Website: https://www.scottspiezio.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/spiezios/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/scott.spiezio.96  Movie Website: https://spiezio.info/ 

Jaron Lockridge spent years quietly struggling with pornography while wrestling with doubts about God. Then an unexpected sermon from Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell led to the most sincere prayer Jaron had ever prayed, and by the next morning, everything had changed. Now free from that addiction, Jaron is using his gifts as a filmmaker to tell honest stories about faith, struggle, and community. His new series, House for the Broken, is available on Amazon. 

  What happens when you finally get the success you wanted and realize it still is not enough?  For Donovan Donnell, the stage had always been a place where he felt seen. But after years of disappointment and rejection, his desire for attention and approval led him into the world of exotic dancing. He found money, recognition, and success, but none of it could give him the life he really wanted.  Donovan never completely walked away from faith. He still went to church and Bible study. But eventually, God asked him to walk away from the life he had built and trust Him with what came next.  This is Donovan's story of losing himself, surrendering to God, and discovering who he had been created to be. He also shares the message behind Designed to Succeed, his new book with Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix, about pursuing success without losing your faith, your purpose, or your identity.  Show Notes:  YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1f7NOZ-Qk  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/donovandeedonnell/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/donovandee.donnell.50  Website:  https://www.donovandeedonnell.com/  Book:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370124?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback#

"This makes you way more real to us."  That's what Amber Albee Swenson's kids told her after she finally opened up about her past.  She had spent years teaching the Bible and leading her family in faith, but still carried silent shame that was creating distance. One conversation changed everything. Vulnerability became the key to deeper trust, healing, and faith.  Amber's latest book is called "The Key to Confidence". 

  Have you ever wondered if your past has already determined your future?  The circumstances of your childhood, painful family relationships, mistakes you've made, or words someone spoke over you can leave you wondering whether your future has already been decided. Jonathan Almonte knows that feeling.  Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Jonathan experienced extreme poverty, family brokenness, and rejection from his father. As a little boy, he dreamed of becoming a gang member because it was the only future he could imagine. Then everything began to change.  Jonathan shares how a local church, a Compassion sponsor who faithfully wrote letters year after year, and the love of Jesus transformed his life. He found hope where there had been despair and the ability to forgive the father who once told him he was "a mistake."  This episode is a reminder that your past does not have the final word. God is still writing stories of redemption.  Show Notes:  Website: https://compassion.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassion/  X: https://x.com/compassion  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionintl/ 

After a chaotic childhood, Doug Hannah came to Christ at 15 and finally understood that he was deeply loved, but years later, he realized he had turned faith into something he had to perform. This is the story of discovering grace... twice... and learning to rest in a love he never had to earn. 

  Most people know Stephen Bargatze as the father of comedian Nate Bargatze. But long before audiences knew Nate's name, Stephen was living a story marked by childhood abuse, rejection, depression, and pain.  Growing up, Stephen believed he was unwanted. His mother told him he was a mistake. He struggled with thoughts of suicide and spent years carrying the wounds of his childhood. But God wasn't finished writing his story.  In this moving conversation, Stephen shares how one family's extraordinary kindness introduced him to the love of Jesus, how God's grace transformed his life, and why, decades later, he found himself standing beside his dying mother with a choice that would define the rest of his life.  It's a remarkable story of forgiveness, mercy, redemption, and the God who can bring beauty from even our deepest wounds.  If you've ever wondered whether God can redeem a painful past, or whether forgiveness is really possible, Stephen's story will encourage you.  ⚠️ This episode includes discussion of child abuse, suicide, and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised for younger audiences.  Show Notes:   Out In a Minute Comedy Special - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV-aKVmH98s  Nate Bargatze's YouTube Channel-  https://www.youtube.com/@Nateland  Stephen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenbargatze  Stephen's Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sbargatze 

  Have you ever struggled to trust God after bad news? Shinia Dittman had prayed for a baby, but during pregnancy, doctors discovered that her son had a serious birth defect that could threaten his life. Afraid, angry, and overwhelmed, Shinia got alone with God and prayed honestly, and God met her with peace. After surgery, healing, and so many unexpected details, the sound of her son's first cry became a beautiful reminder that God was in the details. 

  Jinger Duggar Vuolo grew up on television.  From the age of 10 until she was 27, her family appeared on TLC's reality shows 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On. As the sixth child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, she grew up in a strict religious system led by a teacher who claimed to speak for God.  That belief system contributed to a view of God as an angry judge waiting for her next mistake. Motivated by a fear of rejection, she was driven to be a people pleaser, trying to keep everyone happy all of the time.  But as she grew to know and understand God's love, she realized the loving thing to do was speak the truth.  Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the author of Becoming Free Indeed, and People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations.  Website: https://www.jingerandjeremy.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingervuolo/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/People-Pleaser-Breaking-Imaginary-Expectations/dp/140034171X

    "I see God very clearly through the rearview mirror."  Tim Mulgrew was trying to move closer to God, but the more intentional he became about faith, the more tension grew at home. His wife resented it, and that conflict eventually boiled over into a painful public moment at church. Tim's story is about coming to real faith, even when choosing God made life harder before it got better. 

  Link to Google form for guest submissions:  https://forms.gle/bJqjKjBUBCAYwNg68  A grizzly bear attack in the Canadian wilderness nearly took Jim VanSteenhouse's life.  As he was being flown to safety, Jim found himself confronting a question he could no longer avoid: If he died that day, where would he spend eternity?  But this story begins long before the bear attack.  When Jim and Liz met, their relationship was, in their words, "a high-speed train wreck." There was addiction, heartbreak, years of unanswered prayers, and a marriage that seemed unlikely to survive. After Liz gave her life to Christ, she spent years praying for her husband while God transformed her own life in ways she never expected. Then came the phone call that changed everything.  In this episode of The Unfolding, Jim and Liz share their remarkable story of addiction, redemption, healing, a grizzly bear attack, and a God who never stopped pursuing them.  If you've ever prayed for someone you love, wondered whether God was listening, or needed a reminder that no one is beyond His reach, this conversation is for you.  Show Notes:   Website: https://thebearman.com/ 

    Emily Wierenga grew up sensing that God was close, but one careless comment about her body helped lead her into a long battle with anorexia. At five foot eight, Emily dropped to 60 pounds, and yet God kept reaching into her life with reminders that she was loved, chosen, and not forgotten. Today, Emily is using her words and her story through her book God Who Became Bread and through The Lulu Tree, where she helps feed mothers and children in Africa while pointing them to the hope of God's Word. 

  In 1 John 3:1 it says, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" God is our Father.  Sometimes that can be challenging to comprehend.  It's easier to grasp when you've had a good relationship with your earthly dad.  It can be more complicated if your relationship is unhealthy or strained. This week on The Unfolding we are sharing three stories of fathers, from Mark Schulz, Gina Copeland and Jeremy Rosado.  Each story gives a perspective of how God works healing in and through fathers, whether they are biological, adoptive, or those who simply choose to step into the role of dad.     Show Notes:   Mark Schultz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markschultzofficial/ Mark Schultz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markschultzofficial/ Gina Copeland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.d.copeland  Jeremy Rosado Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjeremyrosado/ Jeremy Rosado Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAMJEREMYROSADO/ Link to Google form for guest submissions:  https://forms.gle/bJqjKjBUBCAYwNg68 

    For most of her life, Rebecca Corwin called herself an agnostic, and sometimes even an atheist. But looking back, she could see moments of protection, peace, and unmistakable prompting that kept pointing her toward God. At 56 years old, after a lifetime of being pursued, Rebecca finally gave herself completely to Jesus.

  How do you learn to recognize God's voice?  Michael Boggs has spent much of his life asking that question. Long before he became a member of the Christian music group FFH or wrote the beloved Christmas song "Come You Unfaithful," Michael watched God transform his family through his father's dramatic conversion and began discovering for himself what it means to follow Jesus.  In this episode of The Unfolding, Michael shares the pivotal moments that shaped his faith, from walking away from athletic scholarships to joining FFH, touring the world, serving in ministry, and eventually becoming a worship pastor in Oklahoma.  Along the way, Michael learned powerful lessons about God's leading, identity, and unconditional love. He talks about comparison, loneliness, calling, and the freedom that comes from understanding that our worth isn't found in what we accomplish, but in being loved by God.  Show Notes:   Website: https://michaelboggs.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelboggs_music/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boggsmusic  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/MichaelBoggsMusic  Book: https://www.amazon.com/What-Would-Jesus-Michael-Boggs/dp/0891126244 

"We began to… say the Nicene Creed."  That decision changed everything for pastor and researcher Glenn Packiam, when a 2006 scandal rocked his Colorado Springs church. In this Unfolding Short Story, the Barna Group scholar and host of The Resilient Pastor podcast recounts how repeating the Creed each week knit a fractured congregation back together, and how its ancient words still steady believers facing today's confusion and corruption.   Want to dig deeper? Check out Glenn's book What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption. 

  When Brandon Heath heard the Gospel as a teenager, he was hungry for truth, love, and healing. His parents' broken relationship had left him hurting and carrying a heavy load of resentment. When he heard God is love, and more specifically, God loves him, it was life changing. But transformation and healing take time. God was putting people in Brandon's life, including a guy named Bob Goff. They were mentors who saw things in Brandon he couldn't see in himself. Brandon Heath is a singer and songwriter who's been nominated for multiple Grammys and won eight Dove awards for songs like "Give Me Your Eyes," "See Me Through It," and "I'm Not Who I Was."  Brandon's latest project is called The Ache.   Show Notes:  Website:  https://www.brandonheathmusic.com/  Album "The Ache" - https://brandonheath.lnk.to/TheAche

    "I believe God gave me this dream because He has healed your body."  When David Stine was fifteen years old, doctors gave him about six weeks to live. His family was bracing for the worst. Then David's grandfather, one of the only strong Christian believers he knew, called with a dream and a deep conviction that God had done something. Years later, David can look back and see how this moment became part of the story God used to draw him closer to Jesus.  David also writes about this story in his new book, The Way of the Ox. 

At 25 years old, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and worship leader Tim Timmons was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 cancer and told he likely had five years to live. More than two decades later, Tim is still here and still learning what it looks like to trust Jesus in the middle of grief, doubt, fear, and uncertainty. In this conversation, Tim talks about wrestling with God, living with unanswered questions, and why he believes faith isn't about pretending everything is okay. He shares how suffering reshaped his understanding of God, the daily practices that help him walk through worry, and why he stopped "working for Jesus" and started simply learning to join Him. Tim also talks about: surrender, contentment, and trusting God grief, loss, and suffering the story behind 10,000 Minutes MercyMe, I Can Only Imagine 2, and his journey as a Christian artist If you've ever struggled with disappointment, uncertainty, or questions about faith, this conversation is for you. Show Notes:  Website:  https://www.timtimmonsmusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmonsmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timmonsmusic "Waking Up Again" Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKG1SGHN "I Can Only Imagine 2" Movie: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/i-can-only-imagine-2

"We're craving hamburgers."  Frank Agundes helps lead Lily of the Valley Children's Home in Mexico. When the kids asked God for hamburgers, He answered in a big way. In this Unfolding Short Story, Frank shares how God called him to serve at the orphanage and how he keeps seeing God provide in both big and little ways. To learn more about the orphanage or give, visit https://www.lilyofthevalley2.org/ 

  She's the voice behind the hit song Desperate, a powerful anthem that soared to number one and struck a chord with thousands. But Jamie MacDonald's story runs much deeper. In this episode, Jamie shares about growing up in a house where singing was banned and hope felt out of reach. After being kicked out at 15 and dropping out of high school at 16, she spent years bouncing between couches and group homes, no phone, no address, no one in her corner. But even in the darkest moments, a flicker of faith from a childhood church camp refused to go out. Join us as Jamie shares how one desperate prayer changed everything and how her pain gave rise to a song that's giving hope to so many.  Show notes:  Website: https://www.jamiemacdonaldmusic.com/#/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemacdonaldmusic/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jamie%20macdonald%20music 

Some stories sound almost impossible to believe. Terrell Scott was in prison after a life of drugs and crime when God sent Brandy, the woman he had robbed at gunpoint during a drug deal, to share the gospel with him. Brandy had every reason to hate him, but after meeting Jesus, she began praying for the man who had hurt her and asking God to help her forgive. What followed was repentance, transformation, marriage, family, and ministry in the same community where so much damage had been done. Terrell and Brandy share more of their story in their book, The Power of the Broken Road, about how God turns pain into purpose, tragedy into triumph, and a mess into a message.   

  What happens when the person you love encounters Jesus, and you want nothing to do with it? On this episode of The Unfolding, Chevas Phillips shares her powerful story of addiction, brokenness, marriage struggles, and the unexpected way God completely transformed her life.  Chevas was drinking every day, hating church, and watching her husband Josh become someone she barely recognized after he gave his life to Christ. As tension grew in their marriage, Chevas found herself wrestling with questions of identity, control, surrender, and whether real freedom was even possible.  Now a wife, mom, worship leader at Bethlehem Church in Bethlehem, Georgia, and recording artist, Chevas shares how Jesus met her in the middle of her pain and changed what she could never change on her own.   Show Notes:  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/__chevas__/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chevas.phillips  Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories 

"This was like a week only with me and God." Geony Rucker was in full-time ministry, with plenty of work waiting, when she kept sensing the same message every time she opened God's Word: step away and rest with Him. At first, it didn't seem to make sense. But when the unexpected loss of her mom came just weeks later, Geony realized God had been preparing her all along, giving her time with Him, time with family, and the strength to grieve while knowing He was holding her.

  Jennie Allen has spent her life helping people follow God, find purpose, and experience freedom in Christ. As a bestselling author, Bible teacher, and founder of IF:Gathering and Gather25, her influence has reached millions.  But beneath the surface there was a lie she didn't even know she believed. A lie about her identity, her worth, and what she had to prove. In this conversation, Jennie shares the moment God exposed that hidden belief, and how it had been shaping her thoughts, her confidence, and her calling.  You'll hear how negative thoughts- feeling not enough, striving for approval, questioning your purpose, can take root without you realizing it, and how recognizing them can lead to real freedom. If you've ever struggled with insecurity, comparison, or wondering if God could really use your life, this story will remind you that freedom is possible.  Show Notes:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennieallen/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniesallen  Book:   https://www.jennieallen.com/lies-book  Website:  https://www.jennieallen.com/  THE LIES QUIZ: LINK  Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories 

"He showed me on that day that His goodness is running after my daughter."   Jill Tracey shares what happened as her daughter Alyssa was struggling with faith, and Jill was learning to let go of control. Through the song Goodness of God, God gave Jill a picture of hope she would carry for years. It was a reminder that even when she couldn't reach her daughter, God still could. 

  What happens inside someone who walks away from faith? For Jakob Happs, it wasn't sudden. Long before he stepped away, there were questions, doubts, and a growing sense that something wasn't working the way he thought it should.  Over time, that tension led him further and further from God, and from the people who loved him most.  In this powerful and honest conversation, Jakob shares his story from the inside.  The wrestling, the distance, the decisions that followed, and the unexpected moments that changed everything.  Alongside his mom, Suzanne, this episode offers a rare, deeply personal look at both sides of a prodigal story. What it felt like to walk away, and what it meant to come home.  This episode explores what doubt and deconstruction can feel like from the inside, the tension between belief and questions, and how God continues to pursue even in the middle of distance. For anyone praying for a prodigal child, a loved one who has walked away from faith, or anyone wrestling with belief, this story offers both honesty and hope.  Show Notes:   Jakob Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatshappsin.n?igsh=MXRtNjUwOG1hMDdkaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr     Jakob Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Df1sbwviJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr     Suzanne Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.happs  Book: https://www.amazon.com/We-Who-Wrestle-God-Perceptions/dp/0593542533  YouTube Channels:   https://www.youtube.com/@bibleproject  https://www.youtube.com/@RuslanKD  https://www.youtube.com/@ExpeditionBible  Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories 

"The more I pushed, the more my body said no."  Stephanie shares how God used cancer, chronic illness, cardiac arrest, and a season of forced rest to redirect her life. Today, she helps others slow down, live with intention, and care for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Recently, she wrote Faith and Health Devotional Bible Study Workbook. 

What do you do when your child walks away from everything you've raised them to believe?  For Suzanne and Alan Happs, that question became deeply personal when their son told them, "I'm not exactly sure I believe any of that anymore." What followed was 13 and a half years of praying, waiting, questioning, and learning what it really means to trust God with someone you love.  In this episode, Suzanne and Alan share:  What it felt like to watch their son deconstruct his faith   The mistakes they made, and what they wish they had done differently   How they learned to love without controlling or pushing   What sustained their faith through years of heartbreak and uncertainty   The moment everything began to change, and the powerful way God brought their son back   If you are praying for a prodigal child, a loved one who has walked away from faith, or someone who feels far from God, this story will meet you right where you are.  Next week, don't miss Part 2—Jake Happs shares his side of the story. What led him away from faith? And what ultimately drew him back to Jesus?     Show Notes:   Suzanne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.happs  Praying for Your Prodigal book:  https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Your-Prodigal-Kyle-Idleman/dp/1434707717  Share about your Unfolding story here: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories 

    "Put on your helmet." Susan had a picture in her mind for her 22nd birthday: a new horse, a sunset ride, and a beautiful moment she would never forget. But right before it began, a voice interrupted her plans with a warning that would save her life.  BONUS: Hear Susan's daughter's short story on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 

  What if the way you see God, isn't actually true?  Jon Acuff grew up in church, but for years his relationship with God felt more like pressure than connection, and that shaped everything. In this episode of The Unfolding, Jon shares how his faith became personal in the middle of real life- marriage, responsibility, and the pressure to figure things out. As God began to reshape the way Jon saw Him, it changed the way he saw himself, his fear, and his calling.  Jon is a New York Times bestselling author known for books like Soundtracks and All It Takes Is a Goal. His newest book, Procrastination Proof, grows out of his own story- the years of knowing what he was called to do, but struggling to step into it. If you've ever felt stuck, unsure of your purpose, or like you're waiting until you feel ready, this conversation is for you.  Show Notes:    Website: https://jonacuff.com/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjonacuff     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonacuff     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/authorjonacuff     Procrastination Proof book: https://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Proof-Never-Stuck-Again/dp/154090380X     Share a story idea for The Unfolding: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories 

  Alicia Barr was sitting at a women's conference, half listening to Annie F. Downs, when something happened that felt far too personal to ignore. Alicia had been living in secrecy and pain, and in that moment, God interrupted her life with mercy. In this Unfolding Short Story, she shares how that moment became the beginning of truth, healing, and freedom.  Alicia is the author of More Than a Secret.

  What does it look like to trust God when your marriage has been devastated, and you don't know what comes next?  Brad and Heidi Mitchell share their story of walking through infidelity, broken trust, and the long road toward healing. After Brad's affair, their marriage faced a season that felt overwhelming. But in the middle of that pain, God began to do a deeper work, one that neither of them could have imagined at the time. In this conversation, you'll hear how they navigated repentance, forgiveness, and rebuilding communication. Their story is a reminder that even when a marriage feels fragile or fractured, God is still present and still at work. Today, Brad and Heidi lead Build Your Marriage, where they help couples grow stronger in their relationships and faith. They're also the authors of Ruined to Recovery, written for couples walking through betrayal, and Build Your Marriage Through Prayer, a practical guide to strengthening your marriage through prayer.  Show Notes:   Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/buildyourmarriage/  Build Your Marriage Through Prayer book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734158883#  Ruined to Recovery book:  https://www.amazon.com/Ruined-Recovery-Help-Affair-Discovered/dp/1734158824/  Website: https://buildyourmarriage.org/  Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/buildyourmarriage 

    "I knew inside that God was doing something in me and I had to listen to that."  Justin Stuart had built something huge: a YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, billions of views, and a successful business with his closest friend. But even with all of that, he began to sense God stirring something new in his heart. In this episode, Justin shares what it looked like to walk away from a life that seemed successful by every measure and trust God with what came next.  Check out Justin Stuart's Blobs books here:  https://davidccook.org/authors/justin-stuart/ 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  What happens when the very thing you believe you were created to do, is suddenly taken away?  Bay Turner (America's Got Talent, Centricity Music) shares a story of identity, faith, and surrender. After building a life around his voice, Bay was told he might never sing again. In an instant, everything he thought defined him was gone. What followed was a journey through anger, doubt, and ultimately a deeper understanding of who he is in Christ, not because of what he does, but because of whose he is.  Bay's debut EP Better Days is out now. This is a story for anyone who has ever questioned their purpose, struggled with identity, or wondered what God is doing in the middle of it all.  Show Notes:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bayturnermusic  Website: https://www.bayturner.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bayturnermusic/ 

John Rhys-Davies, narrator of THE CHRIST, joins us to talk about Jesus, Tolkien, and the deeper story behind this four-part Easter audio epic. Through cinematic storytelling, powerful performances, and stirring music, THE CHRIST brings the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus vividly to life. Learn more at: TheChristPodcast.com

Experience the story of Jesus like never before in THE CHRIST, a four-part Easter audio epic. THE CHRIST brings the gospel narrative vividly to life—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, and stirring music. From the halls of Roman power to the wilderness of Judea and the hills of Galilee, this immersive audio drama follows the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the people forever changed by Him. Follow the podcast now so you hear each new episode the moment it releases. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christ-an-easter-audio-epic/id1870710176 Or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oaFRx79AiROdosDof8FME Learn more at TheChristPodcast.com

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Emmy-nominated actor Tom Pelphrey (HBO's Task, Netflix's Ozark) joins The Unfolding to talk about stepping into one of the most profound roles imaginable. Tom portrays Jesus in The Christ, a new four-part audio drama from Faith Podcasts that brings the story of Jesus to life through immersive sound and a powerful, star-studded cast. In this conversation, Tom shares what it was like to take on a role that is both deeply personal and universally known; from the challenge of portraying "fully God and fully man," to the surprising way certain scenes, like the temptation in the wilderness, began to echo his own inner dialogue. This episode explores identity, faith, and the voice we choose to listen to, and how an ancient story still speaks into modern life.  Show Notes:   Listen to The CHRIST:  https://thechristpodcast.com/  Tom Pelphrey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommypelphrey/  The Christ trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcMlmFZnlKw  The Christ website: thechristpodcast.com  The Christ socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

"With God, no season is wasted, no time is wasted."  Haylee Graham shares how God used one short film, one Bible verse, and one unexpected season to bring reconciliation with her father before his sudden death. What became his final film also became a turning point in their relationship. In this Unfolding Short Story, Haylee reflects on grief, God's timing, and the quiet ways He prepares us for what's ahead.  Here's a link to the short film Haylee talks about: "Planted" Here's a link to Haylee's latest book: Take the Horse and Run 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Content warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and neglect. Listener discretion is advised.  Mary DeMuth, author of more than 50 books including Restory Your Life, shares her journey from a childhood of abuse and neglect to a life marked by God's healing, hope, and purpose.  Hear how a single prayer as a teenager- "God, would you be the Father who will never leave me?"- set Mary on a path of faith, healing, and ultimately helping others walk through their own pain. She talks candidly about the long, often difficult process of healing, and offers insight into how sharing your story can bring light, encouragement, and restoration.  This episode is a powerful reminder that God can redeem the most painful chapters of our lives, and that your story, no matter how broken, can become a source of hope for others.  Show Notes:  Website:   https://www.marydemuth.com/  Restory Your Life book:   https://www.marydemuth.com/books/restory-your-life/  Pray Every Day podcast:  https://www.marydemuth.com/prayeveryday-2/  Thin Places book:  https://www.marydemuth.com/books/thin-places-2/  Into the Light Bible study:   https://www.marydemuth.com/books/into-the-light-bible-study-book/  The Wall Around Your Heart book:  https://www.marydemuth.com/books/wall-around-heart/ 

  "Lord, please remove this desire to drink."  Karisa Rogers believed in God. She even liked telling people about Jesus. But alcohol still had a grip on her life.  What began as a way to fit in eventually became a way to cope with heartbreak and family pain. After years of struggle, Karisa reached the end of herself and prayed a simple prayer: "Lord, please remove this desire to drink." In this Unfolding Short Story, Karisa shares how God met her in that moment and how her life has been transformed ever since. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dennis Ritter spent decades battling heart disease, living with the knowledge that his time might be shorter than most.  But suffering didn't make him bitter. It deepened his faith. When Dennis' health declined, his family gathered to say goodbye. In this deeply moving episode of The Unfolding, Dawn Ritter and her children, Ben and Karen, share the story of Dennis' final days, the legacy of faith he left behind, and the hope that carries them through heartbreaking loss. They talk honestly about grief, unanswered prayers for healing, and why their faith in God remained steady even when the miracle they asked for didn't come.  Because sometimes God doesn't remove the suffering. Sometimes He meets us in it.   Show Notes:   Books:  Every Moment Holy Vol. 2 Death, Grief, and Hope  https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Holy-II-Hardcover/dp/1951872053     Grieving with Hope  https://www.amazon.com/Grieving-Hope-Walking-Jesus-Heartbreak/dp/164507448X     A Grace Disguised  https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Disguised-Revised-Expanded-through/dp/0310363594     When Mountains Crumble  https://www.amazon.com/When-Mountains-Crumble-Rebuilding-Someone/dp/0802425569     Walking with God through Pain and Suffering   https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-through-Pain-Suffering/dp/1594634408     Podcasts:  The Widowed Mom Podcast by Krista St. Germain - https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/podcast/     The Widow Coach Podcast by Karen Sutton.  https://www.karensutton.co.uk/podcasts/the-widow-podcast     A Widow's Heart Podcast with Pam Lundell  https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/a-widows-heart/     Website:   Never Alone Widows - a nationwide ministry to widows.  https://www.neveralonewidows.com/ 

  "There are no winners in what we went through… only Hannah."  Gary and Mari Malychewski share the story of losing their young daughter in a tragic accident. In the days and years that followed, they faced questions of grief, guilt, and forgiveness that few parents ever have to carry. Looking back, they say God had been quietly preparing their hearts long before that day arrived. This is a story about loss, faith, and the difficult grace of learning to forgive in the middle of unimaginable pain. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dennis died three times. What he experienced while his heart stopped changed the way he—and his family—would live the rest of their lives.  Dennis spent his life trying to outrun the heart disease that ran in his family. He exercised. Ate well. Stayed disciplined. Then one day, without warning, he collapsed from a massive heart attack. His heart stopped three times. Dennis says during those moments he experienced something almost impossible to describe.  It was an overwhelming sense of love and peace.  While doctors fought to save him, his wife Dawn stood in the hospital hallway praying, clinging to Scripture, and surrendering her husband's life to God. When Dennis came back, everything changed. They didn't just get survival. They got bonus time. A deeper intimacy with God. And a new understanding of how God had been preparing them long before this moment.  Show Notes:  Book Dennis mentioned:  https://www.amazon.com/90-Minutes-Heaven-Story-Death/dp/0800759494 

Travis West knows what it feels like to run on empty. Early in his marriage he was working multiple jobs and caring for his wife Mariah through a long illness. A study trip to Jerusalem changed everything. When the city slowed to a standstill on Friday nights, Travis experienced Sabbath rest for the first time. In this episode he explains how that weekly pause brought new life to his family and why he believes Sabbath is a practical gift for anyone today.  Book:   The Sabbath Way: Making Room in Your Life for Rest, Connection, and Delight  www.travis-west.com  https://www.travis-west.com/practices 

  What happens to a boy's heart when his father stands a few feet away in church every Sunday, but never really shows up at home? Singer and songwriter Jaye King grew up playing drums on the platform while his dad directed the music. They served in the same services. Created the same worship moments. But outside the church walls, his father wasn't consistently present in his life. That tension shaped how Jaye saw himself and how he saw God. In this hope-filled conversation, Jaye shares about wrestling skepticism, navigating father wounds, and the slow process of discovering that God doesn't leave the way people sometimes do. What unfolds is a story of identity, forgiveness, calling, and the hidden years that formed him long before the spotlight. Today, Jaye King is a singer and songwriter with Centricity Music, known for songs like Hard Places and Falling Into It. His music carries the very themes you'll hear in this episode- healing, hope, and a Father who stays.   Show Notes:   Website: https://www.jayeking.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayekingmusic/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayekingmusic  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayeKingMusic 

"I've often felt I can be too much, but the more emotive I am, the more God surprises me." Growing up in a family and culture where men were often reserved, Nigel Massenda felt out of place for expressing his emotions so freely. But when his mother traveled abroad for a funeral and could not return for two long years, loneliness and unanswered prayers pushed him deeper into raw, honest faith. Through caring neighbors, silent prayers, and a steady hope, Nigel discovered that embracing vulnerability before God not only shapes our perspective but can transform our very lives.

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  What if the hardest chapter of your life didn't get the final word? Esme Crawford shares the story of how she survived domestic violence, crippling shame, and a distorted view of God; and how faith in Jesus led her into healing and freedom. Esme was born in a small Mexican village and faced many challenges from birth. As an adult, she found herself in an abusive relationship that slowly stripped away her identity, confidence, and sense of worth. She believed the lie that it was her fault. But God never left her. Esme talks about wrestling with shame, learning that God is a loving Father, finding healing in Jesus, and reclaiming her identity as a daughter of the King. If you've ever struggled with guilt, fear, or questioned where God was in your suffering, this episode will remind you that you are seen, loved, and you are not alone.  Content Note: This episode includes references to domestic violence and some strong language.    Show Notes:  WINGS - Women In Need Growing Stronger:  https://wingsprogram.com/  To reach Esme, Send a Direct Message via Instagram WILLOW WLN:  https://www.instagram.com/willow_wln  Additional Resources: Selah Empowers - Pause and find strength for the journey  Metropolitan Family Services 

As a Black Hebrew Israelite, Jasmine spent years trying not to mess up or break God's law, living under strict expectations. After long prison phone calls with the man who would become her husband, she began to see Jesus differently, not as a taskmaster but as Savior. This is her story of laying down a heavy yoke and finding rest in Jesus. 

  Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  If you know the music of MercyMe, then you know the voice of Bart Millard. He's the songwriter behind "I Can Only Imagine"- written after watching his abusive father transform from a monster into a man that loved Jesus.  It is the best-selling Christian single of all time, with more than five million copies sold. With that kind of success, you might imagine Bart was living a life beyond anything he ever dreamed. But in 2004, the year "I Can Only Imagine" crossed over to mainstream radio and became a global smash, Bart and his wife Shannon were being gutted by one life-altering pain after another. Their son Sam was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and that diagnosis came alongside multiple family losses and medical crises that all seemed to hit at once. While MercyMe's career was soaring, Bart was unraveling - slipping into depression, hiding behind touring, and struggling to hold it all together. A new film I Can Only Imagine 2, and book Even If - Trusting God Through the Fire tell Bart's story.      Show Notes:   Official Movie Website:  https://icanonlyimagine.com/  Even If book:  https://mercyme.org/products/even-if-trusting-god-through-the-fire-the-official-book-for-i-can-only-imagine-2  MercyMe website: https://mercyme.org/  Bart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBartMillard  Bart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartmillard/ 

    "I could only pray three words. I trust you."  Scripture tells us that every good gift comes from God. What do we do when a gift is taken away?  Kim Snyder lost the voice she used to sing, speak, and serve God in Christian radio. In the stillness that followed, Scripture led her to a simple prayer, "I trust you." 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dr. Henry Cloud is known as a leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries. But before helping millions build healthier relationships, Henry had to face his own unhealed trauma and depression. In this episode of The Unfolding, Henry shares how early childhood trauma shaped his emotional and relational patterns, why depression became a turning point in his life, and how real healing required more than spiritual platitudes or performance-based faith. Through therapy, honest community centered on Jesus, and Scripture lived out in practice, Henry discovered freedom that transformed how he loves, leads, and relates to God. This conversation explores the intersection of faith and mental health, why "performing your way out of pain" doesn't work, and how God meets us not with formulas, but with His presence. Dr. Henry Cloud's newest book is To Know Him: A 90-Day Invitation to Come to God As You Are.  Show Notes:  Website: https://www.drcloud.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhenrycloudofficial/  "To Know Him" Book: https://www.drcloud.com/books/to-know-him  "Why I Believe" Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Psychologists-Thoughts-Suffering-ebook/dp/B0CK8C76LD  Website: https://www.boundaries.me/ 

"I jumped in the way of the knife."  Once surrounded by gangs, violence, and prison walls, Justin Glover encountered the grace of God that changed everything. Today, he shares how Jesus rescued him and is using his story to point others to faith and freedom. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Stephen McWhirter grew up watching his traveling evangelist dad live a double life.  He was one man behind the pulpit and abusive to Stephen's mother at home.  Stephen decided that if God was real, He wasn't good.  His earthly father and his heavenly father became the villains in his story.  Angry and rebellious, Stephen fell into addiction, eventually addicted to meth for six years. But one night in a miraculous encounter, Stephen experienced the presence and love of God, and he's never been the same.  Today Stephen is a worship leader, singer of "Come Jesus Come," and the author of Radically Restored. Nearly 40,000 people have come to know Jesus through his TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram lives.    Show Notes:  Website:  https://worshipjesus.life/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stephenmcwhirter/  Tik Tok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@stephenmcwhirtermusic?lang=en  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stephenmcwhirtermusic/  New book: https://u.worshipjesus.life/book-sneak-peek 

    "Dear younger me. God is there."  Recorded live at a special storytelling event, Jesse Wilson shares how painful words from her childhood shaped her sense of worth and how God slowly began rewriting that story. From praying under a Holly Hobbie blanket to receiving groceries when she had nothing left, Jessie learned she was never alone. Her story is a reminder that in both big and small moments, God is present and faithful. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Where do you find your identity? In approval, performance, relationships, or in what God says is true about you?  From growing up on the streets of San Francisco to navigating loss, shame, and self-doubt, she shares how she discovered her worth in Christ.  Hear the story behind her viral spoken word poem, "I Have a New Name," and learn how her books "You Are More Than You've Been Told," and "Uncomplicate It" offer practical guidance to reclaim your identity and live as the person God created you to be. This episode is for anyone ready to stop chasing approval and start hearing God's voice above all else.    Show Notes:    Website:   https://www.hosannawong.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hosanna.wong/  "I Have a New Name":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A_uXO3CgwY&t=6s  Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@hosannawong  Book:  https://www.hosannawong.com/uncomplicate-it     

Amelia Tabatt reflects on her mom's terminal cancer journey, faith, loss, and discovering a million quiet miracles.

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Karen Horne became an expert at "pretend normal."  Her husband was living a double life, and she was doing everything she could to hold it all together, especially as the wife of a pastor, where the pressure to appear "fine" is relentless. But beneath the polished surface, their marriage was unraveling. Betrayal, deceit, and hidden sin had eroded the foundation of their family, leaving Karen with a choice she never expected to face. To protect her marriage and uncover the truth, she would have to go undercover. This is a powerful story of painful discovery, and ultimately, redemption and marriage restoration, where honesty became the first step toward healing. Listener discretion advised: This episode contains references to pornography and sexual addiction.    Show Notes:   Healing from affairs or betrayal: https://www.affairrecovery.com/  Healing from sexual brokenness or betrayal:  https://avenue.works/  The Healing Choice book:  https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Choice-Move-Beyond-Betrayal/dp/1400074258  For men dealing with sexual addiction:  https://www.faithfulandtrue.com/ 

During one of the hardest seasons of her life, Donna VanLiere was searching for prayer. A painful neurological condition made her suffering impossible to miss, yet prayer never came. Her honest cry to God became a turning point that led to healing and a calling. Today, Donna is a New York Times bestselling author and a passionate advocate for prayer in the life of the church.   

What happens when you learn to recognize God's voice and actually follow it? Gale Kragt is a pastor, hospital chaplain, and founder of Spiritual Care Consultants, whose life has been shaped by quiet promptings from God. From feeling like a misfit as a child to experiencing supernatural encounters, Gale learned early on to pay attention to the subtle whispers of God, and those promptings have led him into extraordinary places.  As a hospital chaplain working in trauma centers, Gale has prayed with families at the edge of life and death and witnessed remarkable moments of healing. Over time, those same promptings led him to launch a ministry that now serves thousands of people, offering spiritual care at no cost.  Gale Kragt is the Executive Director of Spiritual Care Consultants of West Michigan. He is also the host of the Healing Begins radio show and podcast, and the author of God Moments and Jesus in the Mountains.    Show Notes-   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galekragtbooks  Gale's books: www.galekragtbooks.com   Spiritual Care Consultants website: www.scchealingbegins.com   God Moments Book: https://a.co/d/jbgZclN  God Moments Study Guide: https://a.co/d/3TtMvNp 

John Cooper, frontman for the band Skillet, never set out chasing fame. What mattered most was his foundation in Jesus, established long before the tours, radio hits, or millions of listeners. As John's career with Skillet began to really take off, his honesty and consistency caught the attention of another musician who was quietly watching. Years later, that same man would give his life to Christ.

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob's story will inspire you. Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book, Love Does, because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then, he's written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them.  Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder. In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visiting the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. His new book is Catching Whimsy.  It's an invitation to wake up each day expecting to live a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future.    Show Notes:  https://www.bobgoff.com/  https://lovedoes.org/  https://www.bobgoff.com/books/catching-whimsy/  https://www.instagram.com/bobgoff/  https://www.facebook.com/bobgoffis 

"I left school angry on Friday. On Monday, people saw a light in me."  Walter Hill was filled with grief and resentment after losing his mother and watching his father disappear into addiction. He had no interest in faith and no patience for empty answers. But God used one faithful friend and one unexpected night to break through the bitterness. This is a story of how deep anger was transformed into lasting joy. 

"Shame is a prison," Russ Taff says, and he lived in that prison for more than 40 years. To the world, Russ was a Gospel music legend: six GRAMMYs, 18 Dove Awards, and three Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions. But behind the stage lights and accolades, he was hiding from pain, trapped in addiction, and silenced by the relentless voices of shame and self-hatred. In this deeply honest conversation, recorded around the dining table in his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Russ shares the truth he kept secret for decades: while he sang songs about Jesus to millions, he was battling alcoholism in the dark. This is not just a story about addiction.  It's a story about hope. About the supernatural healing that comes through love, and the power of God to break even the heaviest chains. Russ opens up about his abusive childhood, the pain that shaped him, and the redemption that's setting him free.    Show notes:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff  Website: https://russtaff.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/  "I Still Believe" Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpHdjcCfrSg  I Still Believe Book: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Believe-Wreckage-Recovery-Relentless/dp/1642931489 

"The Imams are convinced that… an angel of God is with you."  Today's story comes from an interview Meridith did with Jamie Winship a couple of years ago, first shared in our 2023 Angels episode, Episode 183. In a remote desert camp, a simple detail about table settings leads to an extraordinary realization. God's presence was already there. 

What if heaven is closer than we think?  In this special episode of The Unfolding, we share true stories of angelic encounters, near-death experiences, and glimpses of heaven- moments that leave people searching for words to describe what they saw. You'll hear from Bruce Van Natta, who encountered angels while hovering between life and death after a devastating accident. You'll also hear from bestselling author, psychologist, and speaker Dr. Henry Cloud, who reflects on unforgettable moments that made him wonder whether angels were protecting him, and shares a profound encounter with Jesus at the edge of death. Finally, John Burke, pastor and author of Imagine Heaven, joins us with stories from his extensive research into near-death experiences, sharing remarkable accounts of people who encountered angels and consistent patterns that echo Scripture. This episode invites you into the awe, mystery, and hope of the season, reminding us that the angels who announced the birth of Jesus are still pointing us toward Him today.    Show Notes:   Bruce Van Natta: https://sweetbreadministries.com/  Bruce's book Saved By Angels: https://sweetbreadministries.com/books/  Dr. Henry Cloud: https://www.drcloud.com/  Dr. Cloud's memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Psychologists-Thoughts-Suffering-ebook/dp/B0CK8C76LD  John Burke's website: https://imagineheaven.net/  Imagine Heaven Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnBurkeImagineHeaven 

"This is not just a story you read on the internet. This is a documented case."  Lee Strobel knows what it means to ask hard questions. Before becoming the author of The Case for Christ, he was a legal editor at The Chicago Tribune, trained to investigate claims and follow the evidence. In this episode of Unfolding Short Stories, Lee shares three real-life stories of healing that stayed with him because they held up under careful scrutiny. Each one connects to the questions explored in his film The Case for Miracles. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.   Do angels still show up in the lives of ordinary people? In this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding, you'll hear powerful stories of angelic encounters—moments of protection, comfort, and God's undeniable presence. From hospital rooms to everyday situations, these eyewitness accounts point to a God who still intervenes in miraculous ways. Featuring stories from Gale, Stesha, Mark, Susie, Hannah, and Christy, this episode explores how God uses His messengers to bring hope when we need it most. If you're drawn to stories of evidence of God at work today, this episode will encourage and inspire you. 

After years of questioning if adoption was right for her family, Megan Nilsen felt a clear leading from God to pray, fast, and search His Word. Her 'yes' to adoption opened the door to both immense challenges and undeniable moments of God's presence, teaching her about love, grace, and identity in Christ.  Megan is also the author of the Advent devotional Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, designed to help readers reconnect with God's peace during the holiday season. Learn more at meganbnilsen.com/untangled-advent. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  When Louis Dooley was 19, the judge sentenced him to life in prison plus 100 years. At that moment, something inside him shut down. His future felt gone and life as he knew it was over. But Louis' story didn't end behind bars. In the darkest, most hopeless place he could imagine, something unexpected and truly miraculous began. Today, Louis Dooley is the Executive Director of Philemon House, a ministry that disciples people touched by incarceration, and the author of "Prison Saved My Life."  In this powerful episode, Louis shares his journey from despair to hope, the lessons he learned inside, and how his life now points others toward redemption and possibility, even when it feels impossible.    Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of violence and suicide and may not be appropriate for young listeners.     Show Notes:   Book: https://emmausworldwide.org/products/prison-saved-my-life?_pos=1&_sid=1f0bdf573&_ss=r    Philemon House Website: https://philemonhouse.org/    Louis' Website: https://www.louisdooley.com/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philemonhouse5/ 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  "Sometimes God uses the smallest things to tell the biggest truths… a pair of shoes given to a child in the name of Jesus." Shawn Spurrier knows this firsthand. His own return to faith came through the steady kindness of community, long before missions was ever on his radar. Today, as director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, he's seen that same kind of community transformation unfold in Tenango, Mexico. This episode traces God's faithfulness in Shawn's story and in a village brought together by something beautifully simple. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    What do you do when you're sure God has given you a dream, but every door stays firmly shut? Dallas Jenkins, creator and director of The Chosen, spent more than 20 years praying for the chance to make a film based on the beloved book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. But year after year, the answer was the same: no. Until one unexpected moment when God stepped in. In this episode of The Unfolding, Dallas shares the behind-the-scenes story of waiting, disappointment, and the whisper from God that stopped him from deleting his dream forever. It's a story about calling, hope, and God's timing- perfect for the Christmas season and for anyone who's ever waited for God to open a door.  Show Notes:   The Chosen: https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us  Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie: https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/  Dallas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasJenkinsOfficial  Dallas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallas.jenkins/?hl=en 

    Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  "Every cell in my body recognized that this was Jesus."  Heidi Barr was sixteen when a traumatic horseback accident changed her life. She describes leaving her body, meeting Jesus face to face, and waking up with a faith she never saw coming. Growing up in a Jewish home that rejected Jesus, her experience stands out as both unexpected and deeply powerful.  Read more in her book What I Saw in Heaven.

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  What happens when a skeptical agnostic begins investigating near-death experiences? For bestselling author and pastor John Burke, that search changed everything.  John's journey began as a teenager while his father was dying of cancer. After picking up a book about near-death experiences (NDEs), he spent decades studying thousands of NDE accounts from people around the world. Their stories of encountering a God of light, love, and overwhelming peace, led him to a deeper understanding of Scripture, the afterlife, and the reality of heaven.  John Burke, author of Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven, explains how science, faith, and evidence from NDEs intersect, and how his own path from doubt to belief became a powerful story of hope. If you're curious about life after death, what the Bible says about heaven, or how God pursues people through their questions, this episode offers  real-life stories you won't forget.  Show Notes:  Imagine Heaven Book: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Heaven-Near-Death-Experiences-Exhilarating/dp/080101526X  Website: https://imagineheaven.net/  Imagine Heaven Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnBurkeImagineHeaven  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnburkeofficial/   

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  What happens when a skeptical agnostic begins investigating near-death experiences? For bestselling author and pastor John Burke, that search changed everything.  John's journey began as a teenager while his father was dying of cancer. After picking up a book about near-death experiences (NDEs), he spent decades studying thousands of NDE accounts from people around the world. Their stories of encountering a God of light, love, and overwhelming peace, led him to a deeper understanding of Scripture, the afterlife, and the reality of heaven.  John Burke, author of Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven, explains how science, faith, and evidence from NDEs intersect, and how his own path from doubt to belief became a powerful story of hope. If you're curious about life after death, what the Bible says about heaven, or how God pursues people through their questions, this episode offers  real-life stories you won't forget.  Show Notes:  Imagine Heaven Book: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Heaven-Near-Death-Experiences-Exhilarating/dp/080101526X  Website: https://imagineheaven.net/  Imagine Heaven Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnBurkeImagineHeaven  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnburkeofficial/   

"Why Is Your Son Still Alive?"   Susie Larson knows what it feels like to walk through a season where God seems distant and every day feels fragile. Between high-risk pregnancies, neurological symptoms, and two children fighting for breath, she cried out for God to speak and heard nothing. But then a nurse asked a question that revealed a miracle Susie never expected. This powerful story invites you to rest, be still, and remember that God is rarely absent, even when He seems quiet. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  At seventeen years old, a diving accident changed Joni Eareckson Tada's life forever. Paralyzed from the shoulders down, she sank into anger and depression, convinced her life was over. But in the midst of deep suffering and thoughts of suicide, Joni began to experience God in a way she never had before.  What started as heartbreak became a story of transformation, from despair to hope, and from questioning God to trusting Him. Through her journey, Joni discovered that the places of our deepest pain can become the very places God uses for His greatest purpose. Today, through her ministry Joni and Friends, she shares that message of hope with millions of people around the world, offering practical help and the love of Jesus to those living with disabilities.  Show Notes:   Website: https://joniandfriends.org/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JoniEarecksonTada  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/joniandfriends/  Face of Anguish Drawing: https://joniandfriends.org/jonis-artwork/how-god-redeemed-my-life-in-the-face-of-anguish/ 

"I threw this Bible across the room and I said, 'God, if you're real, why won't you talk to me?'"  He writes fiction stories about danger and survival, but this story is real. Years before the books and the success, Ryan Steck's life unraveled into silence, weakness, and a single cry to God.  https://ryansteck.com/ 

  LaMorris Crawford had every reason to believe his life was destined for despair. Growing up in the projects on the south side of Chicago, his story began with tragedy. His mother was murdered before he turned one; he never knew his father, and he was raised by his grandmother along with eight cousins. Surrounded by poverty, gangs, and hopelessness, LaMorris followed the only path he knew, until everything changed.  When he encountered Jesus, his entire identity was transformed, from victim to beloved son of God, created on purpose and for a purpose. That new identity would later anchor him through one of the hardest tests of his life, when the woman he loved came from a family who refused to accept him. Rooted in who he was in Christ, LaMorris chose faith over anger and grace over bitterness. Today, LaMorris and his wife Megan serve as chaplains to the Carolina Panthers and lead Covenant Culture Ministry, helping couples build strong, Christ-centered marriages.  Show Notes:   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/lamorris_crawford/?hl=en  Covenant Culture website:   https://www.covenantcultureministries.com/  Covenant Culture podcast:   https://www.youtube.com/@CovenantCulturePodcast  Support LaMorris and Megan: https://subsplash.com/u/-KBRBBK/give?frequency=once&next_process_date=11/04/2025&amount=25.00&fund_id=e79e07ea-a5f1-425b-8520-2baa38a69ee7  Share your Angel Story:  https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/contact-us/   

    Years before becoming a Christian apologist, Alisa Childers sat in a church hearing her pastor question the Bible. As she puts it, "It propelled me into a faith crisis." That experience and the years she spent rebuilding her faith would one day become the foundation that held her when tragedy struck. Hear how truth and God's quiet presence sustained Alisa through grief, and why apologetics still matters for every believer.   Also, find a list of great books on apologetics, at alisachilders.com/books.  Hear more great stories of apologetics on the Wow God Stories podcast's latest episode. 

    Matt Forté knew his calling when he was just seven years old- to play in the NFL. What he didn't know was how much faith, perseverance, and surrender it would take to get there. Through injuries, setbacks, and seasons of doubt, Matt discovered that God's purpose was about more than football.  It was about shaping his heart, not just his game. In his new book, Stay in the Game, Matt shares the lessons that carried him from a childhood dream to the NFL, and how faith, focus, and purpose can guide anyone through life's highs and lows. Today, the former Chicago Bears running back uses his platform to mentor others and live out his faith beyond the field. Hear how God led Matt from religion to relationship, and from chasing success to finding lasting purpose.  Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Show Notes:   Book: https://www.tyndale.com/p/stay-in-the-game/9798400510786  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mforte22/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattforte22/  Sports Spectrum Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/sports_spectrum/?hl=en  The Champion podcast:  https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/the-champion-unlike-any-other/?t=1761583375786   

  John Prince never set out to sell olive oil.  He just wanted to help people in Illinois, around the world, anywhere God pointed. When finances got tight, John feared his impact might be over. But God brought a new opportunity: importing Sabba Oil to help families in Lebanon keep working and providing for their loved ones. The results are not guaranteed. But John is choosing to trust God in the middle of it. 

Rebecca Nichols Alonzo's childhood was built on faith and family, yet marked by fear.  For years, her family was targeted by a man from their church who terrorized them with threats, harassment, and violence. Then one night, the unthinkable happened. Her mother was killed, and Rebecca's world was shattered.  Years later, the man responsible reached out with a shocking question: "Will you forgive me?" That moment changed everything. Rebecca and her brother later shared their story on national television, publicly forgiving their mother's killer and showing the world what God's grace can do. Based on her bestselling book The Devil in Pew Number Seven, Rebecca's journey has inspired millions. It's a powerful story of pain, faith, and a forgiveness that could only come from God.  Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Show Notes:  Website: http://www.rebeccaalonzo.com/  Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Pew-Number-Seven/dp/1414326599  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedevilinpewnumberseven 

"God decided… I'm gonna have you be a play-by-play voice in the NFL… even though you've never done it in your life." Paul Allen didn't take the usual path to the broadcast booth. He went from horse racing to becoming the voice of the Minnesota Vikings. His passion made him go viral, but his greatest transformation didn't happen on the mic. It happened when Jesus became real to him after 52 years of belief without relationship. In this Unfolding Short Story, we share a powerful moment from The Champion: Unlike Any Other podcast, where Paul tells how God changed everything. Hear the full story of Paul Allen on this episode of The Champion: Unlike Any Other.

    What do you do when life takes everything, your home, your job, even your hope? Cory Nickols knows those struggles intimately. Raised in a Christian home, he thought he understood who he was, but trauma, loss, and doubt left him questioning everything, including his value. One heartfelt prayer, "God, I want to know You," set him on a journey through what he calls The Breaking, The Crushing, and The Stripping. These seasons challenged everything he knew about God and himself, ultimately revealing his true identity: loved, chosen, and a child of God. Today, Cory helps rescue children trapped in human trafficking, showing how God can transform brokenness into purpose. Content caution: This episode includes references to suicidal ideation, childhood sexual abuse, and human trafficking.     Show Notes:  Website: https://corynickols.com/  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/corynickolsministries  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corynickols/  Destiny Rescue: https://www.destinyrescue.org/  Cory's book:  https://www.amazon.com/More-God-Not-Done-You/dp/B0F4Z3QHHH   

"My little boy, who was one, was in our goldfish pond."  A fall afternoon on the farm turned from laughter to panic.  When Sarah Philpott's one-year-old slipped toward danger, her four-year-old daughter heard a whisper from God that changed everything.  This short story is about paying attention, seeing God's mercy, and staying present in the life He has given.  Sarah's latest children's book: Wake Up, Little Seed   Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give. 

  When country artist Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, lost their three-year-old son, River, their world shattered. In her darkest moments, Amber found herself on the bathroom floor, crying out to God, desperate for hope. That heartbreak became the beginning of redemption.  Now the author of "The Girl on the Bathroom Floor" and host of the Arise with Amber podcast, Amber shares how God met her in unimaginable pain, how He brought beauty from ashes, and how she learned to live with both grief and joy. This episode of The Unfolding is a story of faith, healing, and the hope that only God can bring when life falls apart.  Show Notes:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberemilysmith/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmithsTV  Amber's Website: https://arisewithamber.com/  Amber's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Bathroom-Floor-Together-Everything/dp/1400347890  Granger's episode on The Unfolding:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-185-granger-smith-country-music-star-finds-faith/id1460841077?i=1000720200985  Water Safety resources:   https://www.infantswim.com/  https://ndpa.org/  Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

      "I don't trust eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses often lie."  Homicide detective J. Warner Wallace was on a search for truth that changed his life. Reading the Gospels through the lens of investigation, he discovered that the eyewitness accounts of Jesus aligned just the way truthful testimony does. In this episode, the respected apologist and author of Cold Case Christianity shares how evidence led him to Christ and why every believer can become a thoughtful defender of the faith.  Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

  Peter Burton was a young kid with a loving family and a faith-filled childhood, but by middle school, anxiety and OCD began to creep into his life. For years, therapy and treatment helped him manage, but by the time he hit adulthood, the weight of fear and panic attacks became overwhelming. As a worship pastor, he would lead people in songs about God's goodness, then get in his car and break down in tears. He begged God to heal him, but healing didn't come.  In this episode of The Unfolding, Peter shares his journey through anxiety, the questions that challenged his faith, and the discovery of a God who sustains even in the hardest seasons. Peter is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader who recently signed with Integrity Music and Matthew West's Story House Collective.    Show Notes:  Website:  https://www.peterburtonofficial.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/peterburtonmusic/  Craig Groeschel Book:  https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/winning-the-war-in-your-mind 

"I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it." Kids make mistakes. Sometimes accidents leave scars that last forever. For John O'Leary, one choice with fire left him burned and disabled. What should have been only tragedy became a story of grace. His family and his community surrounded him, but it was his father's voice in the hospital that changed everything: "I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life. I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it." That is grace. That is the gospel. John's journey is now a feature film, Soul on Fire starring William H. Macy, opening October 10. Learn more at soulonfiremovie.com. 

  Abused, rejected, and in foster care by 15, Phillis Dewitt's life was marked by childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and loss. By her teens, she was self-harming, suicidal, and convinced she was unwanted. But God wasn't finished with her story. Through a long journey of faith and healing, Phillis found belonging, became a foster mom to more than 100 children, and discovered how God can bring beauty out of even the darkest places.  Phillis shares her journey in her book "I'm Still Standing" and on this episode of The Unfolding. If you've ever wondered if your pain could have a purpose, Phillis' powerful story will encourage you that trauma doesn't have to define you, and that God can redeem even the hardest chapters of your life.  Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, self-harm, and trauma. It may not be suitable for younger listeners.  Show Notes:  Website: https://phillisdewitt.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillis.dewitt  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Standing-Turned-Purpose/dp/B0BCXKCTGP  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdewitt/ 

"All these years later, that baseball has become an anchor for my faith." As a boy growing up in poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Mike Signorelli found escape in baseball. When his mom prayed a bold prayer for a signed White Sox ball, God answered in a way that would anchor Mike's faith for decades to come. Today, Mike leads V1 Church in New York, Miami, and Indiana, and he still carries that baseball as a reminder of God's faithfulness.  Here's Mike's latest book, Fire Starters: Igniting Revivals and Sustaining Spiritual Awakening.  

Content Warning: This episode deals with sexual addiction and mature themes; it may not be appropriate for younger listeners.  Blaine Bartel was a rising star in Christian ministry, hosting the nationally televised Fire by Nite, writing best-selling books, and leading one of the largest weekly student gatherings in America. But behind the platform and applause, Blaine was trapped in a 23-year struggle with pornography and sexual addiction, living a secret double life that ultimately destroyed his career, marriage, and reputation. In this episode of The Unfolding, Blaine shares his journey from despair and scandal to true freedom. He talks about the devastating consequences for his family, church, and friends, and how, through God's grace, he was led not just to recovery, but to a resurrected life in Jesus. Today, Blaine helps men, ministers, and marriages break free from sexual addiction and walk in hope through House of Resurrection.  Show Notes:  Website:  https://www.blainebartel.com/  Website: https://www.houseofresurrection.life/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blainebartel99/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blainebtv6712 

Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries has spent years helping young people face hard questions, discern truth, and find their identity in Christ. Charlie Kirk longed to be remembered for courage in his faith, and part of that courage was speaking to students directly. His voice has now been silenced, but the legacy of reaching the rising generation continues. In this episode, Jeff shares stories of young adults moving from confusion to conviction, from hardness of heart to lives transformed by Jesus. God is still raising up voices. And the hope of tomorrow is clear: He is not done with young people. Jeff also introduces his new book with Dr. Kathy Koch, Raising Gender Confident Kids.

He was an alcoholic atheist and a country artist whose life was falling apart. Walker Hayes had written off faith and was running out of hope. Then came Craig—a friend whose relentless love, years of kindness, generosity, and one unforgettable gift made Walker start asking a question he'd avoided his whole life: What if Jesus really is who He says He is?  In this episode of The Unfolding, Walker shares his journey from brokenness to belief, and how his heart of stone began to soften in the most unexpected ways.  You probably know Walker for his hit song Fancy Like, which went seven-times platinum. He just made his Grand Ole Opry debut, released his new album 17 Problems, and is soon heading out on his Unplugged Tour. But behind all the success is a deeper story of friendship, unexpected grace, and a transformation he never saw coming.  Show Notes:   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/walkerhayes/?hl=en  Website:  https://www.walkerhayes.com/  Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Youre-Here-Unlikely-Breaking/dp/0802424716  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkerhayes/  Unfolding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast 

    "We decided that we are two hot messes and we would just be better off if we made one big hot mess." That is how Jack and Sheila described their marriage in the middle of brokenness, after Sheila carried the weight of abortion for seven years and Jack battled decades of alcoholism.  But God stepped in. A Bible study introduced Sheila to "a Jesus who forgives the sin of abortion." And in church one morning, Jack heard God whisper, "I will take you by the hand and lead you home."  From their ashes, God planted Save One, "helping men, women, and families recover after abortion." Today, what He did for Sheila and Jack is bringing hope to thousands. Visit saveone.org to learn more. 

  Darin Kinder was a U.S. Secret Service agent working inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. After the first tower was hit, he and fellow agents helped people evacuate. When Tower 2 began to collapse, Darin thought, "I'm dead." His next thought, one he believes came from the Holy Spirit, was a single word: "Run." That split-second decision began his mad dash for life.  But this story is about much more than survival. Darin shares how that day became a turning point in his faith and calling, and why he believes each of us is uniquely designed by God to live courageously and with purpose. This story will not only help you remember 9/11, you'll also be encouraged to believe that God has a plan for your life and that He will give you the courage to go wherever He leads.  Darin is the founder of Fierce Faith Ministries and author of "Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man's Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11," dedicated to the 422 first responders who perished at Ground Zero.  Show Notes:   Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bury-Dirty-Suit-Discovering-Aftermath/dp/B0FL1G8774  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/darinkinder/  Website: https://www.fierce-faith.com/ 

"I loved crack more than I loved anything."   After three decades of destruction, Jesus set Keith Weaver free in an instant. His testimony shows that the same God who restored his life can do the same for you. 

  After Andrew Ripp's family broke apart, he moved to California just to get away.  His addiction to alcohol eventually led to the destruction of every important relationship in his life.  He had grown up in religion, but never had a relationship with a god who could help.  He was alone and desperate.  But Andrew says even the broken and difficult things in life can be a blessing, if they steer you toward the God who loves you.  Today Andrew is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, known for songs like "Jericho," and "Fill My Cup."  He spends his days writing and singing about the One who saved him.  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/andrewripp/  Website: https://www.andrewripp.com/     

"If the only way to success is by compromising your convictions, would you still choose success?"    For Michael Seifert, founder of PublicSquare, that was not a hypothetical question. It was a test. With his company's future on the line, he was offered a massive investment on the condition that he silence his pro-life stance. His answer shaped not only PublicSquare but also the launch of EveryLife, the pro-life diaper company founded by Sarah Gabel Seifert and cofounded by Michael, which puts conviction into action. 

  Naomi Raine has been singing about God since she was two and writing songs since she was seven. Her parents were worship leaders, so she 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, were being cultivated in the small, quiet places. Today, Naomi's voice reaches the nations as part of Maverick City Music.  Songs like "Jireh" and "Promises" have become anthems for worshipers around the world.   Show Notes:  Website:  https://www.naomirainemusic.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomiraine/?hl=en 

"I'm a female with a low voice." For Dr. Kathy Koch, that's meant navigating stereotypes and cultural confusion. But she's come to see it as God's perfect design, and now helps children do the same in Raising Gender-Confident Kids, her new book with Dr. Jeff Myers. 

  What do you do when your marriage feels impossible? When one person is chasing God and the other is chasing the party? John Wilson's story is a powerful reminder that no marriage is beyond hope. From a childhood marked by abuse to a relationship built on partying, addiction, and conflict, John and his wife Beth once seemed worlds apart.  Both were struggling with emptiness and destructive habits. Everything changed the night John encountered Jesus at a Christian concert, sparking a spiritual transformation that would eventually touch their marriage. Over time, both John and Beth surrendered to faith, learned to forgive each other, and rebuilt a marriage rooted in love, grace, and purpose. Today, John leads Light the Way Ministries, reaching hundreds of thousands through Christian music concerts and Missouri's largest Christian music festival. He is the author of Honky Tonk Nights to Christian Lights.  Show Notes:   Website:   https://www.lightthewayministry.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightthewayministry/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightTheWayMin/  John's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Honky-Tonk-Nights-Christian-Lights/dp/B0D7SX4RSF 

  Jake Weidmann is an artist whose mastery of calligraphy, drawing, painting, and wood carving has drawn hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views from viral videos. His book, Old Soul, New Creation, calls us to slow down and see art as worship. Behind his breathtaking piece, The Old Rugged Cross, is a Good Friday moment he'll never forget. leading to "two burly men in the lumberyard just weeping over God's perfect timing." 

Life doesn't always turn out the way we planned. Rebekah Albaugh knows that all too well. After facing multiple heartbreaking losses, she could have walked away from her faith. But instead, she discovered something deeper: the steady, faithful presence of Jesus, even in the middle of unimaginable grief. In this episode of The Unfolding, Rebekah shares her story of loss, questions, surrender, and surprising joy. Her journey is hard, but ultimately full of hope. It's a reminder that even when everything feels broken, God is still writing a good story.  Rebekah is the co-host of the Honest to Goodness Podcast, where she and two close friends tackle real-life struggles with honesty and a strong dose of Gospel truth.  Note: This episode includes sensitive content, including medical trauma and child loss. Please listen with care.  Show Notes:  Rebekah's Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honesttogoodnesspodcast/  Rebekah's podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-honest-to-goodness-podcast/id1744950346  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekah.albaugh.photographer/  Website: https://rebekahalbaugh.com/ 

  "I learned how to truly delight in Him…"  Those words weren't born in a peaceful season. They came from the valley. When Elle Cardel's daughter Selah was born with a life-threatening heart condition, everything changed.  Over time, those experiences became a message Elle felt called to share. That message is now at the heart of her new book, She Delights.   

  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.  *Caution: This episode includes some graphic content, including the loss of a child and discussion of suicide.   

"He was a life worth sacrificing for." Before Roland Warren became CEO of Care Net, one of the largest networks of crisis pregnancy centers in North America, he was just a scared 20-year-old college student facing an unplanned pregnancy with his girlfriend. The pressure to choose abortion was intense. But they made a different choice. And that one decision changed everything.  Roland's story is a powerful reminder that when we follow God's way, something good always comes from it.  He has a new book you can check out, called "The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life". 

  It was a story that made national headlines. In April of 2019, a five-year-old boy was thrown from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America by a stranger. Landen Hoffmann's injuries were catastrophic, and his survival was uncertain. But his mother, Kari, responded with unshakable faith. Drawing on what she'd learned growing up in church, Kari immediately turned to prayer, refusing to give in to fear or hatred.  Landen spent four months in the hospital, facing multiple surgeries, serious complications, and long, painful nights. There were setbacks that baffled even his doctors. Yet Kari never stopped believing for complete healing. Kari Hoffmann is sharing their story through her book, Miracle at the Mall. This is the incredible account of a mother's fierce faith, a miraculous recovery, and a God who still moves mountains.    Show notes:  Miracle at the Mall Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mall-Hoffmann-Survived-39-Foot-High/dp/B0DZBX3XNK  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari_hoffmann_5/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kari.hoffmann.52 

"My true value simply came from being a child of God."  That realization changed everything for Allie Marie Smith. As a high-achieving kid, she looked like she had it all together. But under the surface, sadness began at 12. A traumatic event at 17 deepened the spiral that eventually brought her to the edge.  Through a supernatural encounter with Jesus and a long road of healing, Allie found hope, and now she helps others find it too. Through her ministry Wonderfully Made, she walks with girls and women who feel the weight of shame, unworthiness, and silence.  The girl who almost didn't make it is now helping others believe they are loved, they belong, and their story isn't over.  Notes:   Allie's latest book: Social Media Reset: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Unplug, Reconnect with God, and Reclaim Your Joy 

  How do you keep moving forward when life feels like one battle after another? In this episode, Cathy Vincent shares her incredible journey of faith, resilience, and God's steady presence through every season. From encountering Jesus as a young girl to a miraculous healing from epilepsy in her twenties, Cathy's story is filled with both divine moments and everyday faithfulness. She shares life's deepest struggles, including losing a child, surviving financial hardships and a devastating flood, alongside the joys of raising four children and building a life of faith with her husband, Don. After Don's passing, Cathy discovered life could still be full and rich with purpose. "My life partner has left," she says, "but Jesus, the love of my life, has not." Cathy shares how journaling helped her trace God's faithfulness and hear His voice in both battles and blessings. Now in her 80s, she continues to encourage others through speaking, writing, and her book, Never Ending God Stories. If you've ever wondered where God is in your story, Cathy's story will remind you, He's been there all along.  Show Notes:  Website:  https://cathyvincent.com/  Book:  https://www.amazon.com/NeverEnding-GodStories-Our-Adventures-Lifetime/dp/0960058702 

"This makes you way more real to us."  That's what Amber Albee Swenson's kids told her after she finally opened up about her past.  She had spent years teaching the Bible and leading her family in faith, but still carried silent shame that was creating distance. One conversation changed everything. Vulnerability became the key to deeper trust, healing, and faith.  Amber's latest book is called "The Key to Confidence". 

  What happens when ordinary people decide to follow God, without a roadmap or plan, into some of the most dangerous places on earth? In this episode of The Unfolding, Dan Chung shares his incredible journey from a Korean immigrant growing up in Chicago to co-founding Crossing Borders, an organization dedicated to rescuing and supporting North Korean refugees fleeing unimaginable oppression.  Dan's story is a powerful example of how faith, brokenness, and a willingness to say "Send me" can change thousands of lives, even when the road ahead is unclear. You'll hear about the harsh realities North Korean refugees face: starvation, human trafficking, and brutal persecution. And you'll discover how God uses ordinary people, willing to step into the unknown, to bring hope and healing.  Content Warning: This episode contains stories of torture, starvation, and human trafficking that may be difficult to hear.  Show Notes:  Crossing Borders website:  www.crossingbordersnk.org  Crossing Borders on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossingBordersNK  Crossing Borders on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/crossingbordersnk/?hl=en  Mike Kim's book Escaping North Korea: https://www.amazon.com/Escaping-North-Korea-Defiance-Repressive/dp/0742567052 

"You don't have to throw your brain in the dustbin to be a Christian."  Raised in the UK with few Christians around him, Justin Brierly encountered God powerfully at age 15. But later, in the halls of Oxford, doubt crept in. What followed was a deep search for truth that led to a career of asking hard questions and finding better answers.  His book Why I'm Still a Christian tells that story. It's shaped by conversation, discovery, and a thoughtful pursuit of faith.  "We all come to life with a worldview… the question is: which one makes better sense?" 

  Singer, songwriter, and worship leader Jaime Jamgochian knows what it means to wait, and to keep holding on when the future feels uncertain. After rising to the top of Christian radio with "Hear My Worship," Jaime's journey took unexpected turns: chronic illness, career setbacks, and a season of deep doubt.  At one point, she found herself in her 40s, back in her childhood home, too sick to get out of bed, crying out to God: "Why is this happening?" But even in the darkest moments, she sensed God's presence drawing near.  In this episode of The Unfolding, Jaime shares how surrender, persistence, and the kindness of God have shaped her story, and how it all led to a new beginning with her album Sacred Surrender.  Whether you're waiting on healing, clarity, or hope, Jaime's story will remind you God is still writing your story.  Show Notes:  Jaime's website: https://www.jaimejam.com/  Contact Jaime email: [email protected]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimejamgochian/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimejamgochian/ 

When Kerry Hasenbalg heard God say "Love this one as your own" it led her to Nanja, a girl orphaned in the Rwandan genocide, and set in motion a series of events that led to an unforgettable reunion. In this story, a scar became the key to recognizing a daughter thought to be lost.  Since that time, Kerry has walked through her own seasons of loss and healing. Today, she helps others through writing, teaching, and soul care.  Learn more in her new book The Way of Becoming: 12 Practices for a Thriving Soul 

What does it really mean to trust God fully, even when your world falls apart? When pastor and speaker Megan Fate Marshman suddenly lost her husband, Randy, she found herself in the midst of unimaginable grief. As a young widow and single mom, Megan faced a choice: strive for control or surrender to a God who never leaves. In this episode of The Unfolding, Megan shares how heartbreak led her to a slower, more peaceful life rooted in trust, not fear. Her story is a reminder that even in the fire, we are not alone.  Megan helps us understand how peace can be possible even in the hardest moments and why resting in God's love changes everything. Megan is a teaching pastor at Willow Community Creek Church and is the author of Relaxed: Walking with the One Who's Not Worried About a Thing.  Show Notes:   Megan's Website: https://www.meganfate.com/  Megan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganfate/  Megan's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganfatemarshman  Buy Megan's book: https://faithgateway.com/products/relaxed-walking-with-the-one-who-is-not-worried-about-a-thing?variant=41787794882696 

"What does it look like for a coral biologist to minister to creation?" For Rachel Jordan, that question became painfully real when the reefs she studied began to vanish. As she searched for answers in both science and Scripture, Rachel began to see a bigger redemption story and a calling to bring restoration to God's underwater creation. If you're interested in Rachel's book, you can discover more here: If the Ocean Has a Soul A Marine Biologist's Pursuit of Truth through Deep Waters of Faith and Science  

    Courtney Smallbone comes from a long line of Jesus-followers—but as a teenager, she wasn't convinced. That changed after a powerful encounter that shifted her from skeptic to wholehearted believer. When she witnessed God move in a miraculous way, it marked her for life and reshaped her expectations of what God could do. That moment would become the foundation of her faith when she later faced a situation that looked impossible. Courtney is married to Luke, one half of the Grammy-winning duo For King & Country.  She is the author of Technicolor Woman.   Show Notes:   Website:   https://technicolorwoman.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/courtneysmallbone_/  Book:  https://www.forkingandcountry.com/products/technicolor-woman-devotional 

"Sometimes we miss Him in our every day." — Suzanne Happs  We often look for God on the mountaintop or in the valley. But what about the middle? The everyday spaces of life where nothing feels especially dramatic or divine.  In this short story, Suzanne Happs reflects on raspberries, unexpected timing, and the sacredness of the ordinary. She reminds us that even in quiet seasons, God is present and faithful.  To hear more of Suzanne's story, including how her family faced a medical crisis with no health insurance, listen on Apple to Page 53: Suzanne Happs from The Unfolding.   Or listen on Spotify.   

  Caleb, Jordan, and Josh Ward, the brothers who make up Consumed By Fire, first played music together in 2006.  They hit the road with a heart to serve and tell people about the hope of Jesus through music.  For years they played and traveled, mostly for small crowds and small pay. They were living and working by faith- A way of life they had watched their parents model in a powerful way. But it's tough to live a life of ministry on the road. They were burning out.  Despite a clear call from God, after 13 years of hard work, they decided to quit.  That's when God gave them a song called "First Things First," that changed everything.  Show Notes:   Website:   https://consumedbyfire.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumedbyfire/?hl=en 

Travis West knows what it feels like to run on empty. Early in his marriage he was working multiple jobs and caring for his wife Mariah through a long illness. A study trip to Jerusalem changed everything. When the city slowed to a standstill on Friday nights, Travis experienced Sabbath rest for the first time. In this episode he explains how that weekly pause brought new life to his family and why he believes Sabbath is a practical gift for anyone today.  Book: The Sabbath Way: Making Room in Your Life for Rest, Connection, and Delight  Sabbath resource: https://www.travis-west.com/practices 

Growing up on the south side of St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevin Burgess faced depression and a deep sense of hopelessness. After his parents' divorce, he was uprooted from a safe environment and placed in a neighborhood where drugs and violence dominated daily life. Forgotten by society, he doubted he would live to see 30—until one day, someone handed him a Christian hip hop CD that changed everything. Today, Kevin Burgess—better known as KB—is a Christian hip hop artist, music executive, author of Dangerous Jesus, and a passionate voice for those searching for hope. In this episode, KB shares his powerful story of transformation and his mission to lead the lost and hurting to Jesus.  Show Notes:   Website: https://whoiskb.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kb_hga/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Jesus-Thing-Risky-Getting/dp/1496459482 

"Your story saved my life…" begins letter after letter from readers who found courage in Bryan's dark-to-light plotlines. One teen even pausing on the brink of self-harm to ask, "What would those characters do?"   Bryan's brand-new release, The Sacred Scales launches today, but today we step into the unfolding pages of his own journey: quitting a safe tech career, trusting God for a miracle fifty dollars, and watching fiction ignite faith in kids and families worldwide.  **Content note: Because Bryan recounts a story involving self-harm, this episode is recommended for adult listeners first.  Discover more about Bryan's new book, The Sacred Scales. 

  Dove Award-winning artist Ryan Stevenson is known for songs like Eye of the Storm and No Matter What—but behind the music is a story of identity, struggle, and relentless faith. For much of his early life, Ryan felt overlooked and forgotten. Poverty, bullying, and disappointment told him he wasn't enough. But through it all, there was a still, small voice—the voice of God—whispering that he was loved, chosen, and made for more. In this episode of The Unfolding, Ryan talks about the years he spent waiting, doubting, and wrestling with God—even while working as a paramedic. It's a deeply honest conversation about trusting God when your reality says otherwise, and daring to believe that the dreams He planted in your heart are there for a reason.    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryansmusic  Ryan's book: https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Storm-Experiencing-When-Cant/dp/0736979778 

"Listen a bit."  A simple line spoken to a young Trevor Hudson during a leadership exercise became the compass for his life's work. In this Unfolding Short Story, the South-African pastor and author of In Search of God's Will: Discerning a Life of Faithfulness and Purpose shows how a modest talent, handed back to God, can grow into decades of counseling, retreats, and Spirit-led guidance. Trevor invites us to slow down and discover what God can do with the small gifts in our own hands. 

  For nearly 40 years, Chris Hauser has been a trusted force behind the scenes in Contemporary Christian Music—promoting the work of artists like Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle, and Russ Taff. Known for his humility, authenticity, and deep love for the Gospel, Chris has built a reputation not on self-promotion, but on service.  But behind that professional success was a personal story marked by struggle. For years, Chris admits he was a fast talker—someone who could charm his way out of tough situations, even with the people who mattered most: his wife and kids. He made promises he didn't keep, avoided hard truths, and watched the people he loved most get hurt.  In this powerful episode of The Unfolding, Chris shares how everything changed when God lovingly confronted him at a pivotal moment during a retreat called Encounter. Through God's grace—and learning to love himself the way God does—Chris experienced radical transformation in his marriage, his family, and his faith.    Chris' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hauserpromo/  Encounter Training: https://encountertraining.com/  Chris' speech at Judson University commencement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trVJOSmO5l0 

"Everywhere somebody was sick, Jesus was right there." Those words became Keith's anchor as burn-pit-linked melanoma spread through his 33-year-old body. In this Memorial Day Moment, Navy-veteran and hospice chaplain Walt recounts the young soldier's journey of courage, grace, and a faith found at the finish line. 

  When Zach Meerkreebs finished speaking at Asbury University's chapel on February 8, 2023, he texted his wife, "That was a stinker." He thought the message had flopped. But what happened next was anything but ordinary. Students stayed. More arrived. And over the next 16 days, more than 60,000 people from around the world came to Hughes Auditorium to experience what became known as the Asbury Outpouring.  Marked by a profound spirit of humility, this movement reflected the very heart of Jesus. And as it turns out, God had been preparing Zach through years of heartbreak and refining. In the crucible of personal loss, Zach had come to treasure one thing above all: friendship with Jesus.  In this episode, Zach shares how his journey shaped the moment that changed so many lives—and why true spiritual awakening begins with radical humility.  Zach is the author of Lower: Igniting Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility. Learn more at ZachMeerkreebs.com.    Watch Zach's Asbury Chapel Message here:  https://www.asbury.edu/about/revival-history/outpouring/    Page 151 of The Unfolding – Student Stories from Asbury  https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-151-stories-from-asbury-students-share-their-experiences-at-asbury-outpouring/  Page 152 of The Unfolding – Why So Many Traveled to Be There  https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-152-stories-from-asbury-why-so-many-traveled-to-be-there/  Resources focused on nurturing spiritual awakening in the body of Christ  https://awakeninglibrary.com/ 

"We began to… say the Nicene Creed."  That decision changed everything for pastor and researcher Glenn Packiam, when a 2006 scandal rocked his Colorado Springs church. In this Unfolding Short Story, the Barna Group scholar and host of The Resilient Pastor podcast recounts how repeating the Creed each week knit a fractured congregation back together, and how its ancient words still steady believers facing today's confusion and corruption.   Want to dig deeper? Check out Glenn's new book What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption. 

  She's the voice behind the hit song Desperate—a powerful anthem that soared to number one and struck a chord with thousands. But Jamie MacDonald's story runs much deeper. In this episode, Jamie shares about growing up in a house where singing was banned and hope felt out of reach. After being kicked out at 15 and dropping out of high school at 16, she spent years bouncing between couches and group homes—no phone, no address, no one in her corner. But even in the darkest moments, a flicker of faith from a childhood church camp refused to go out. Join us as Jamie shares how one desperate prayer changed everything—and how her pain gave rise to a song that's giving hope to so many.    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemacdonaldmusic/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jamie%20macdonald%20music 

David Sunde wrote a book called Homegrown Disciples: Parenting Rhythms for Drawing Your Kids into Life with God  Hear David reflect on the book, and it's development from a time of community that continues to this day. David learned that discipleship doesn't begin in a sanctuary. It begins around tables, in relationships, and in everyday moments of faith.  For David Sunde, a pastor and author, that truth came to life when his family was grafted in to a community of Burmese believers. What started as outreach turned into friendship… and then, family. 

Guilt says you did something wrong. Shame says you *are* the thing that's wrong.  Russ Taff grew up believing he'd never be good enough. Raised by an alcoholic Pentecostal preacher and a co-dependent mother, his childhood was marked by abuse, secrets, and the suffocating weight of shame. But even in the darkest moments, music was his refuge.  Russ's extraordinary talent propelled him to the heights of Contemporary Christian Music. By 23, he was performing with The Imperials, later becoming a celebrated solo artist and member of the Gaither Vocal Band. With GRAMMY wins and a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, his success was undeniable.  But behind the spotlight, Russ was fighting a silent battle. The echoes of shame never faded — and only alcohol seemed to silence them. What followed was a decades-long hidden struggle with addiction.  This episode is the second of a two-part story sharing Russ Taff's raw, redemptive journey through trauma and addiction, and the healing power of Love.  Show notes:  "I Still Believe" Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpHdjcCfrSg  I Still Believe Book: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Believe-Wreckage-Recovery-Relentless/dp/1642931489  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff  Website:  https://russtaff.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/ 

Joseph Descans loved surfing. It was everything to him until a violent wave left him with a shattered leg and a long road to recovery. After surgery and a painful hospital journey, Joseph says God healed his knee and restored him to the waves he loved. But physical healing was just part of his story. Joseph also battled addiction to marijuana and alcohol, and he says God healed him there too. Over the years, Joseph says God has healed him at least sixteen times, including his heart and ankle. In Joseph’s words, "God had healed me." This is a story about the God who still restores and heals today.  

  "Shame is a prison," Russ Taff says—and he lived in that prison for more than 40 years. To the world, Russ was a Gospel music legend: six GRAMMYs, 18 Dove Awards, and three Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions. But behind the stage lights and accolades, he was hiding from pain, trapped in addiction, and silenced by the relentless voices of shame and self-hatred. In this deeply honest conversation, recorded around the dining table in his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Russ shares the truth he kept secret for decades: while he sang songs about Jesus to millions, he was battling alcoholism in the dark. This is not just a story about addiction—it's a story about hope. About the supernatural healing that comes through love, and the power of God to break even the heaviest chains. Russ opens up about his abusive childhood, the pain that shaped him, and the redemption that's setting him free.  Whether you know Russ Taff or are hearing his name for the first time, his story will leave you changed. Don't miss this unforgettable two-part episode of The Unfolding.  Show notes:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff  Website:  https://russtaff.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/ 

"I left school angry on Friday. On Monday, people saw a light in me."  Walter Hill was filled with grief and resentment after losing his mother and watching his father disappear into addiction. He had no interest in faith and no patience for empty answers. But God used one faithful friend and one unexpected night to break through the bitterness. This is a story of how deep anger was transformed into lasting joy.  Walter Hill's book: Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ's Joy in a Fading World

Content Warning – not appropriate for children.     Bruce Van Natta's childhood was filled with abuse and trauma, but he had one encounter with Jesus that marked him.  He knew God was real.  What he didn't understand is why God didn't rescue him. As he got older, he clearly heard God call him into ministry, but he was angry, skeptical, and cynical. As a diesel mechanic, Bruce regularly worked on big rigs.  On a fateful day in 2006, he was lying under a logging truck that weighed 18,000 pounds. What happened on that day can only be described as other-worldly; an accident, a near-death experience, and an encounter with the supernatural. This is a graphic story that is not appropriate for younger listeners. Bruce Van Natta is the author of Saved by Angels and the founder of Sweet Bread Ministries.    Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SweetBreadMinistries   

Katie Leigh never studied acting, never planned for ministry, and never dreamed she'd be the voice behind one of Christian radio's most beloved characters. But one day she prayed, "God, I'd like to do something for you." This is the behind-the-scenes story of Connie Kendall... and the faithfulness of the God who sees it all.

  For Natalie Layne, growing up in church didn't automatically mean she knew Jesus personally. There came a moment—a quiet, desperate conversation with God—when she needed to know if He was real or walk away. That honest plea changed everything. In this episode of The Unfolding, Natalie shares the story of how that moment became the turning point in her faith journey—leading her to discover not just a real relationship with Jesus, but also her calling as a musician and worship leader. Now a soul-inspired pop artist signed with Centricity Music, Natalie writes songs that shine with hope, joy, and the light of Christ.  Natalie's debut full-length album, All Joy, is out now, and she's currently on tour with Tenth Avenue North. You can find her music, tour dates, and more at natalielayne.com.  More from Natalie, here:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalielaynemusic/  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalielaynemusic?_  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalielaynemusic/ 

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."

  At 37 weeks pregnant, Erin Beck was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her daughter, Ainsley. But in an unimaginable turn of events, Erin was confronted with the devastating loss of her baby girl. Overwhelmed by grief and bitterness, she found herself at a crossroads—would she serve God in her sorrow, or use her pain to make His love known? In this deeply moving episode of The Unfolding, Erin shares how she navigated the darkest days of her life, learning to hold both grief and joy in the same hand. Through faith, support, and an unwavering hope in eternity, she found a way to honor Ainsley's life while helping others through their own losses. If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, this episode offers a message of hope, healing, and the strength found in choosing love.  Show Notes:   Acts of Kindness for Ainsley Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/Actsofkindnessforainsley  Empty Arms pregnancy & infant loss support group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/168555263911  Compassionate Friends Support Groups throughout the U.S. https://www.compassionatefriends.org/  Grieve, Create, Believe: Process Your Loss with Intention and Truth by Rachel George https://www.amazon.com/Grieve-Create-Believe-Process-Intention/dp/0578617196  Link to Google Doc with more resources:   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tbw37eidOdNRNmLnOqojC26y5B_k-VbwCbCNAnTy34I/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.v7xe9u38zcbm 

  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. 

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 

"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/

In 2022, Ben Fuller was a singer and songwriter just beginning his career in Christian music.  His song "Who I Am" has been played on stations around the country.  He grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont as a well-liked kid who seemed to have it all together.  But he always struggled to earn his father's approval.  On the inside he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole.  He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, 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?" 

"Jennifer, can you wait just a little while longer?"  In a quiet valley in South Africa, Jennifer Sakata sought God's direction. She was waiting, as a single 33-year-old woman, to find love and become married. Jennifer's surrender of her deepest longing to the Lord 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"!

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/ 

"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. 

  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/ 

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. 

Jinger Duggar Vuolo grew up on television.  From the age of 10 until she was 27, her family appeared on TLC's reality shows 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On. As the sixth child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, she grew up in a strict religious system led by a teacher who claimed to speak for God.  That belief system contributed to a view of God as an angry judge waiting for her next mistake. Motivated by a fear of rejection, she was driven to be a people pleaser, trying to keep everyone happy all of the time.  But as she grew to know and understand God's love, she realized the loving thing to do was speak the truth.  Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the author of Becoming Free Indeed, and People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations.  Website: https://www.jingerandjeremy.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingervuolo/ 

"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".

  When Brandon Heath heard the Gospel as a teenager, he was hungry for truth, love, and healing. His parents' broken relationship had left him hurting and carrying a heavy load of resentment. When he heard God is love, and more specifically, God loves him, it was life-changing. But transformation and healing take time. God was putting people in Brandon's life, including a guy named Bob Goff. They were mentors who saw things in Brandon he couldn't see in himself. Brandon Heath is a singer and songwriter who's been nominated for multiple Grammys and won eight Dove awards for songs like "Give Me Your Eyes," "See Me Through It," and "I'm Not Who I Was."  Brandon's latest project is called "The Ache."    

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." 

Twelve years ago, Gina's husband passed away after a short battle with cancer.  She was left with two young children, and it was so hard. She couldn't imagine ever loving someone that way again.  Across the country, Jeff was feeling the wounds of a hard divorce.  Marrying again seemed so unlikely. But as the years passed, both Gina and Jeff began to pray, and their friends started praying, too.  Was it possible that God might have someone they could love?  In this special Valentine's episode of The Unfolding, we share a beautiful story of hope, trusting God, and finding love.  Show Notes:  Find wedding photos here: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast  And here: https://www.instagram.com/the.unfolding.podcast/ 

"We prayed for her to wake up on Valentine's Day. And she did—but in heaven." Every year, Lee and Terry commemorate their daughter Amanda's passing with a homecoming celebration. In this deeply moving episode, they share the painful journey leading up to Amanda's diagnosis, the heartbreak of losing her, and how their faith was tested in unimaginable ways.  In 1985, they noticed Amanda was experiencing sickness—vomiting, headaches, and eventually struggling to walk. What seemed like minor symptoms led to a devastating discovery: a brain tumor. As they walked through grief, anger, and doubt, they encountered God's presence in ways they never expected. Their story is one of sorrow, faith, and the unlikely survival of their marriage despite overwhelming loss.  The full interview with Lee and  Terry will be featured on the Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast on February 18th. Subscribe so you don't miss it! Apple or Spotify 

Riley Kehoe was 10 years old when her family's island vacation turned into a nightmare.  On the morning of December 26, 2004, an earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. Riley's family had to run for their lives from a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet high. It was a terrifying experience that took the lives of more than 200,000 people. In the aftermath, fear threatened to rule Riley's life. It would take years to understand the wounds she carried and even longer to find freedom from fear. Riley is the author of Three Seconds of Courage: How Small Acts of Bravery Lead to Big Change.      You can follow Riley Kehoe on Instagram, at https://www.instagram.com/rileywithcourage/   

Melissa shares how one act of obedience became a powerful confirmation for someone desperate to know that God sees, hears, and loves her. Melissa stepped into a conversation with a woman and felt God's presence in a way she couldn't ignore. Then, God asked her to do something bold: tell a complete stranger, "I love you." Fear and doubt held her back, but what happened next showed God's perfect timing. 

  As a rising star at a Fortune 500 company, Hope Reagan Harris thrived on the thrill of getting the next promotion and pay raise. A bigger house, more expensive car, and international travel were all the stuff that was supposed to signify success and happiness.  But after six years of climbing the corporate ladder at a dizzying pace, Hope realized she'd been so determined to move ahead, she didn't recognize her heart and soul were getting left behind.  Hope is the author of Now Over Next: Conquering the Fear of Missing Out and the founder of Purpose Doesn't Pause, a movement to offer encouragement to women through handwritten cards.     

In the Bible, mountaintops symbolize moments of spiritual clarity, renewal, and connection with God. For Averil Shadd, a new widow navigating the profound grief of her darkest valley, the mountaintop became more than a metaphor. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, not just to find healing but to offer hope to others walking through the shadows of loss. As Averil explains, "I wanted to do something that would stretch me so far that I would embrace suffering, so they would know someone could see them and love them." In this episode, she shares how her faith and determination turned her despair into a mission of love and purpose. Note: Averil first shared her story on the podcast A Widow's Heart, hosted by Pam Lundell (Episode 32). Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify

  Chris Baker has devoted his life to helping people walk out the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!" As the founder of Ink 180, Chris has given away more than two million dollars' worth of free tattoos.  Not just any tattoos- these are tattoo cover-ups and removals for people who are making a change in their life, like former gang members, sex trafficking survivors, or domestic violence survivors.  He takes something that was a mark of shame and fear and transforms it into something beautiful.      https://www.instagram.com/ink180boss/  https://www.facebook.com/Ink180 

Despite achieving material success, Derek Mason found himself consumed by emptiness and despair—so much so that he considered taking his own life. In a moment of desperate prayer, an unexpected encounter with sparrows led him to Matthew 10:29–31, revealing that he was profoundly seen and cherished by God. This pivotal sign brought radical transformation, shifting Derek's life from hopelessness to a renewed sense of purpose. His story reminds us that, even at our lowest, God's love has the power to bring hope and meaning. Hear Derek on episode 100 of the Manly with Andy podcast on Apple or Spotify. Or learn more about Derek's book, Embracing Our Full Victory in Christ: The Journey from Darkness to Light.  

  Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob's story will inspire you. Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book Love Does, because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then, he's written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them.  Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder. In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visiting the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. His new book is Catching Whimsy.  It's an invitation to wake up each day expecting to live a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future.   Show Notes:  https://www.bobgoff.com/      https://www.instagram.com/bobgoff/  https://www.facebook.com/bobgoffis 

Rick and McKenna bring us the story of Megan Woods. At a crucial moment in Megan's life, God's word came to life for her, and a call to sing for Him seemingly came out of nowhere.    Here's the full episode on Apple or Spotify, where you can subscribe to The Morning Focus with Rick and McKenna for daily encouragement in God's Word!      

When you wait for years for an answer to prayer it's easy to get discouraged. The Band Jaren is fronted by two sisters, Jaren- lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, and Jade- who sings and plays electric violin.  These super-talented young women started playing music before they started school.  Now, at ages 20 and 19, they have an unusual clarity about the call on their lives.  Their passion is to play music that brings wandering hearts to Jesus.  It's a prayer their mom, Sonya, has been praying for decades.  Answers to those prayers have come in the most surprising ways.   Show Notes:  https://www.instagram.com/thebandjaren/  https://www.youtube.com/@thebandjaren 

An update from John Karakian, who was featured on Page 45 of The Unfolding.  John's Unfolding episode on Apple John's Unfolding episode on Spotify John Karakian from Novi, Michigan, discovered an unexpected way to share his faith—through the legacy of his late chocolate lab, Buddy. Even years after Buddy's passing, John's simple acts of kindness—like calling people by name and treating them with genuine warmth—have opened countless hearts to the gospel. This past Christmas, his church entrusted him with 500 tickets for their production, and within 27 days, every single one was gone. 

Tarn Cross believes God has hard-wired us for adventure.   When Tarn and her husband Matt had a young family in Australia, they began to grow restless.  Their church experience seemed more like dry religion than a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. That's when God led them to their first mission experience in Uganda.  Within days of arriving, they realized what they thought would be an adventure was actually going to require radical faith and trust.  Today Tarn is a leader who has traveled the world speaking and helping people discover their God-given identity and purpose.

Are you looking to grow your prayer life in the new year? Join Christina Hannan on her podcast, and discover a new rich prayer life in Praying Through Scripture. PTS on Apple Podcasts PTS on Spotify This week on Unfolding Short Stories, Christina Hannan shares what she learned teaching science to her kids as a homeschool mom. A planet that rains DIAMONDS! The God who can make a planet rain diamonds, is also the God who cares for our needs. 

Renee Stains recounts a harrowing moment while teaching her young son Andrew to ski. After a mishap on a ski lift, Andrew was left dangling dangerously high above the ground, with no immediate help in sight. In a desperate and chaotic situation, two snowboarders appeared seemingly out of nowhere, skillfully unbuckled Andrew's harness, and safely brought him down. When Renee turned to thank them, they had vanished without a trace.

  The Christmas story is filled with angelic encounters. But are angels still active today? Psalm 91:11 says, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." For many, that verse has come to life. People from all walks of life share their stories of seemingly supernatural encounters on earth in this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding. IT's one of our most-downloaded episodes of the year! Thanks to Tim Hoerr, Tina Zimmerman, David Egli, Debra Wiese, and Bryan Crum for sharing these life-changing stories!    Links to previous Angel Story episodes:   https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-31-angels/  https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-183-2023-angel-stories/ 

"The dream had no expiration date."  In this episode, Jim shares how a dream led him to plant churches outside the walls of a mega-church—and how a trip to the world's largest basilica in Côte d'Ivoire confirmed that God was just getting started. 'I was comfortable, like Bilbo in The Hobbit…but God had other plans.' Hear how one vivid dream fueled over a decade of ministry and ultimately redirected Jim to West Africa." 

Michael Ritchason grew up feeling like he was on the losing end of the comparison game.  Insecurity drove him to chase affirmation and attention. It worked for a time, but then his girlfriend left, his cool car crashed, and the rest of his world seemed to be falling apart.  Soon Michael was falling apart, too. Discouragement led to disconnection, and that led to depression. One night, he began to believe the lie that he was utterly alone. Then God, the One called Immanuel – God with us, did something supernatural.  It was a reminder that Michael wasn't alone, and God had plans and a purpose for him.  Michael is the lead pastor at Riverside Community Church, a multi-cultural, multi-generational, and multi-socioeconomic church in the heart of Peoria, Illinois.    Follow Michael on YouTube and Instagram. To hear In Fulfillment, our Biblical Audio Drama, and go deeper into the Christmas story, go to https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/in-fulfillment/     

What began as a simple prayer meeting led to deep healing and reconciliation. As Mark wrestled with years of hurt, God's voice broke through, impressing these urgent words on his heart: "Call your father and hurry." That phone call, made just three hours before his father's passing, became a moment of profound restoration. This story is a reminder of God's relentless pursuit and perfect timing to heal what's broken.  Also, Mark wrote a book called Just One Word: A Collection of Advent Devotionals, if you're looking for new ways to connect with Jesus this Christmas.

    Barry and Gina Copeland have learned when it comes to addiction, desperation is a good thing. That's when you finally realize Jesus is your only hope. Barry and Gina have followed Jesus and worked in ministry for years, and yet their son struggled with addiction for more than a decade. They tried everything they knew to "fix" the problem.  In the process, they lost their joy, their dreams, and lived in chaos.  Then God used powerful experiences to teach them their son's addiction was not their fault, and they couldn't fix him.  They changed how they prayed and demonstrated God's love to their son.  Today Barry and Gina help those who have loved ones trapped in addiction through the ministry of Finding Hope, a part of Hope Is Alive, an organization that exists to radically change the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics and those who love them.   

After years of questioning if adoption was right for her family, Megan Nilsen felt a clear leading from God to pray, fast, and search His Word. Her 'yes' to adoption opened the door to both immense challenges and undeniable moments of God's presence, teaching her about love, grace, and identity in Christ.  Megan is also the author of the Advent devotional Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, designed to help readers reconnect with God's peace during the holiday season. Learn more at meganbnilsen.com/untangled-advent. 

Terry Wildman didn't grow up immersed in the history and culture of his First Nations ancestors.  But after he met Jesus, his heart for Indigenous Americans grew.  As he learned more about the painful history of Native North Americans and the Church, he struggled with questions. But through that struggle he felt a call to translate the Bible following the tradition of Native storytellers. The First Nations Version of the New Testament has sold more than 80,000 copies, bringing hope and healing to many.      IVPress.com  https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Chosen-One-Terry-Wildman/dp/0984770623 

"In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." These words from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 came to mind for Rhonda at her breaking point as her son battled severe epilepsy. Through heartbreak and surrender, she discovered how God brought purpose and beauty even in the hardest moments.

For years, Dallas Jenkins had a weekly notification on his phone, "Pray for Pageant."  Dallas is the creator and director of The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus.  Twenty years ago, Dallas read a beloved children's novel called, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and fell in love with it.  He just knew he was meant to make that book into a movie.  It wasn't just a hope or a dream.  To Dallas, it felt like a calling.  But over and over, for years, Dallas was told "no." There simply seemed to be no way.  This is a story about praying, waiting, and following God's direction, even when there seems to be no hope.  BestChristmasPageantEver.movie TheChosen.TV

Mey Deras' story is about overcoming—surviving childhood abuse, losing her mother, navigating her daughter's life-threatening health crisis, and enduring immigration struggles. Through it all, she's seen God's faithfulness in remarkable ways. Now a biblical counselor, Mey helps others find hope and healing. She also invites listeners to her free virtual event (Nov. 22-24), Comforted by His Love, where women can learn practical tools to experience God's comfort and strength. You can register for Mey's event here.

Christian historian Joe Thomas shares the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's struggle to discern God's will during a critical moment in history. As World War II loomed, Bonhoeffer faced a life-altering decision: remain safely in America or return to Nazi Germany to stand with his church. Discover how a simple Bible verse, "Come before winter," became a divine call that shaped his courageous path. Do you have a story where you needed to hear from God in a critical moment? Tell us about it when you click the green microphone button at WowGod.com.  Here's a link to Joe's podcast if you want to go deeper into the life of Deitrich Bonhoeffer: Wayfinding Podcast  

  Raechel Myers grew up surrounded by God's word.  At home, school, and church she was learning about the truth of God's great big story. As a young adult, Raechel and her husband walked through unimaginable grief. The Bible became both a refuge and a lifeline. That season of sorrow shaped her perspective on God's faithfulness, the beauty of community, and the truth that God's Word meets us in the darkest moments. Raechel Myers is the co-founder and CEO of She Reads Truth, a dynamic community of women dedicated to connecting with God through Scripture.  Raechel's experience with the power of God's word turned into a passion for helping women engage with the Bible.  It has transformed the way thousands around the world experience God's truth.  This story includes discussion of pregnancy loss.  Show notes:   ShopSheReadsTruth.com Discount code TUPFREE for free shipping through November 18th 2024.  HeReadsTruth.com 

  In 2010, newly single and struggling to put food on the table for her son, Mary Lou experienced God's extraordinary provision. From finding perfect grocery coupons at just the right time to witnessing a miracle harvest from an unexpected plum tree, God showed up in powerful ways. Even as she considered becoming a prepper, God demonstrated His ability to provide instant financial blessings, teaching her to trust Him completely. Through it all, Mary Lou learned that God is the ultimate provider, and he can provide, whether it's big or small, to meet our needs.

  In times of joy, thankfulness comes easy.  But if you are in a place where you've been crushed by circumstances beyond your control, it's much harder to feel grateful. Faith Eury Cho has been there- those seasons where it feels like you are in the wilderness and your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling.  She's walked through enough to know that the journey is about so much more than simply getting to the Promised Land. Faith Eury Cho has been a gospel preacher since she was 19. She is a co-pastor with her husband David of Mosaic Covenant Church of NJ. She is the author of Experiencing Friendship with God: How the Wilderness Draws Us to His Presence.  You can learn more about her at FaithEuryCho.com.        Checkout the latest episode of Wow God Stories!  https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/33-an-unlikely-path-to-him/  Share about the amazing things God has done in your life on The Unfolding page at WowGod.com by clicking the green microphone button, recording, and sending us your story. It's very easy. 

"I was throwing away decks of tarot cards...and I realized my life is changed forever. It had to be all about Jesus. That stuff was destroying me. Only Jesus could truly set me free from the darkness I had welcomed." The Bible talks about sins that can feel mysterious or confusing—like its warnings about witchcraft. Are practices like astrology, crystals, and tarot cards truly dangerous, or just harmless explorations? In this episode, Mackenzie Weatherford shares her story of growing up in a Christian home, only to drift into astrology and fortune-telling after a painful breakup. As she ventured deeper, she encountered a darkness that left her shaken, leading her to throw away the items connected to her past and reclaim the peace found only in Jesus. Mackenzie's journey is a powerful reminder that God's love remains steadfast, even when we stray. Have you ever strayed from your faith and felt God calling you back? If so, we want to hear your story! Use this link to click the green microphone button and share how God transformed your life.

When Jessica Robertson first raised the question of adopting a child, her husband Jep wasn't on board. They already had busy lives with four children and filming their extended family's hit reality series, Duck Dynasty.  But after a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, Jep's heart was changed. Since bringing home Jules Augustus Robertson, their family has experienced the joys and challenges of adoption, including overcoming sensory issues and questions about race. Through it all, the Robertsons have found strength in their faith. Jep and Jessica are the authors of Dear Valor, a children's book about adoption and are featured on the reality TV series, Duck Family Treasure.    Learn more about "All God's Children".    Share your story about Angels, or any other Wow God moment you've experienced when you click the green microphone button.     

Joni Rosebrock shares how, in the midst of depression, a comment from her husband led her into deeper intimacy with God. She fell in love with God's Word, immersing herself in scripture in a way that transformed her life and strengthened her faith. From this journey, she believes God led her to what she calls the WRAP method: Write, Read, Apply, and Pray—a powerful practice that brought healing and renewed purpose while reading God's word. Now, Joni leads others into this getting deeper into God's word. Joni wrote a book, and also has a podcast, all about how WRAP can deepen your own walk with God.

In the hardest moments of life, do you ever wonder if God is listening to your cries for help? When you are feeling hopeless, what do you say to God?  Rachel Wojo understands what it's like to pray without receiving the answers you're longing for. Five years into her marriage, she learned her pastor husband had been having a long-term affair.  She then learned her daughter had a devastating diagnosis that would likely cut her life short. In these anguished moments, Rachel's faith shifted. She was changed from a girl who checked boxes of religious activity, to one who was desperately crying for help from a God who hears. The answers she received were even greater than what she'd hoped for.  Rachel Wojo is a speaker, podcaster, and the author of Desperate Prayers. She writes at her popular blog, RachelWojo.com. Learn more about her free class, How to Be A Prayer Warrior for Your Family in Dark Times, at DesperatePrayers.com. 

Tim Halfin heard that a local boy had gone missing for 3 days. As he started to pray, he heard God say, "You will go look for that boy tomorrow." Today, we're sharing an amazing story presented by the "God Out Loud" podcast. To hear the rest of this episode, fast forward about 20 minutes on the God Out Loud Podcast.  Here it is on Apple: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin Here it is on Spotify: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin Hey, if you have a story where you felt like God told you to do something specific, kind of like what happened with Tim's story, would you share it with us on the green microphone button?  https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/?t=1729289102476  

  Nashville-native Riley Clemmons was "discovered" at a school pageant when she was 13 years old. She signed a record deal 2 years later and started writing songs, touring, and facing the challenges of the music industry. She has been open about her struggles including OCD, imposter syndrome, and dealing with the pressures of social media. By the time she was 21, Riley realized she'd been attaching her self-worth to the success or failure of every song, and it was exhausting. Facing burnout, Riley made the decision to step away from her career to reconnect with her faith and identity God. Through therapy, prayer, and the support of loved ones, she rediscovered the true meaning of worth and authenticity and found a new passion for music. For more on Riley's music, visit RileyClemmons.com 

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.