Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith Embracing the Uncharted: Dan and Sam Mathews & Jacob Robinson
This week, we’ll hear from Dan and Sam Mathews, full-time content creators who’ve built a life rooted in creativity, family, and a passion for adventure. From backcountry camping and RV renovations to raising their kids on the road, they’ve shared their journey online—offering an honest look at the challenges and joys of living boldly and encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and choose a more adventurous route.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Jacob Robinson, founder of Dig World, a construction theme park where kids and adults can operate real equipment. Behind the fun lies a deeply personal story. After a life-changing medical crisis with their son Pierce, Jacob’s world shifted, pushing him to navigate grief, hope, and a new way forward. Today, Dig World isn’t just a park—it’s a place where families connect, challenges are embraced, and joy is celebrated in its purest form.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Bear Grylls
Upcoming interview: Lisa Harper
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV
Interview Quotes:
“There are a lot of times when multiple doors open, and we don’t know which one to choose. As long as it’s in line with the Lord’s will and we have a peace about it, we just look through the door and go, ‘Which one’s more adventurous?’” - Dan Mathews
“The more you have, it can become a distraction in a way that keeps you from fully experiencing what God has.” - Dan Mathews
“Chasing a new job title or a bigger house or nicer car or more zeros in your bank account—at the end of the day, it just leaves you unfulfilled. Having time to do what we love, to share Jesus with people, to love on one another, to spend time with our kids, to go and see new places, that became our idea of success. If we don’t have the time to do what we love and to spend time with each other, then all other measures of success don’t matter.” - Dan Mathews
“Adventure isn’t one-size-fits-all. Adventure can just be getting outside of your comfort zone and trying something new.” - Dan Mathews
“God doesn’t want us to live a stagnant life. If you look through the stories in the Bible, you can’t find anywhere God is like, ‘Hey, just stay where you’re at. Don’t change a thing. Long-term, we just want you to hunker down and be comfortable.’ He’s always calling people. He’s telling people to go.” - Dan Mathews
“Jesus welcomes us through tough questions. He says, ‘I see you, I understand you, my heart is breaking with you and I love you. And there is a bigger plan.’” - Jacob Robinson
“[My son] Pierce is now profoundly deaf in both ears. He’s nonverbal, he’s epileptic, and he’s in a wheelchair. But he is the happiest little dude you’ll ever meet. He radiates joy. He sees life the way that I think Jesus wants us to see life. He doesn’t see your skin color. He doesn’t see how much money you make. He doesn’t see what car you drive or what your house looks like. He truly just wants to be with you, and I think that’s how Jesus would want us to live.” - Jacob Robinson
“Don’t try to figure out your faith until you have a life experience that turns you upside down. Figure out what your faith is and lean into that faith when those times come, because Jesus promises us that challenges will come. Lean into that, and lean into Him.” - Jacob Robinson
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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!
Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7
Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw
Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C
Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj
Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u
What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj
Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY
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