The Unfolding

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"!