The Unfolding

When Carson Sellers was young, his family’s faith seemed superficial.  But then Carson was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that limited his life to being stuck at home or long stays in the hospital.  For more than ten years he suffered intense pain that kept him from experiencing normal life.  Eating food, driving a car, and even going to school became nearly impossible.  But then Carson’s mom, and soon many others, began to believe that God was going to heal him. 

Content Advisory: This episode contains elements of sexual trauma, exploitation, and suicide. Jennisue Jessen has been working in the fight against human trafficking for more than 25 years.  She has a unique perspective on both the trauma and the incredible resilience of survivors.  Jennisue was first sold into the sex trade at the age of four by her grandfather.  The abuse and exploitation lasted more than 10 years.  She believed Jesus was real and He was with her, but she struggled to understand why her abuse continued.  Today she is the founder and CEO of Compass 31, an international counter-trafficking organization that has impacted thousands of lives.  She has served on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and has helped shape federal counter-trafficking policies.  More than anything, she is a living example of God’s power to rescue, restore, redeem, and to use her story to help others.  Learn more about a project to buy a portable x-ray machine for Kijabe Hospital at www.FriendsOfKijabe.org 

For the first time, we’re sharing an update on a story from The Unfolding.  We first told Michael and Shanaree Muzinich’s story on Page 135. They were successful physicians, chasing things they thought would bring happiness – a dream home, prestigious careers, and big incomes.  But their relationship was a mess. It was filled with conflict, and they were miserable.  They didn’t believe in God, but one night 6 years ago they had an encounter with Jesus that changed everything.  When they met Jesus, they surrendered everything. When we left Michael and Shanaree in August of 2022, they were preparing to move with their four children to Kenya to become medical missionaries.  Learn more about a project to buy a portable x-ray machine for Kijabe Hospital at www.FriendsOfKijabe.org 

When Caleb, Jordan, and Josh Ward formed the band “Consumed By Fire” in 2006, they were just 13, 16, and 21 years old.  They hit the road with a heart to serve and tell people about the hope of Jesus through music.  For years they played and traveled, mostly for small crowds and little pay. They were living and working by faith- A way of life they had watched their parents model in a powerful way. But it’s tough to live a life of ministry on the road and they were burning out.  So despite a clear call from God, after 13 years of hard work, they made the decision to quit.  That’s when God gave them a song called “First Things First” that changed everything. 

We often come into marriage with both baggage and expectations. When your spouse’s baggage is harder than you expected, how do you navigate that? Joe and Tara Buchanan came into their marriage with vastly different backgrounds. Joe shares the story of his childhood on Page 1 of The Unfolding. It’s one of the most powerful stories of transformation you will ever hear, and it will give you some background on the challenges he faced in trying to have a healthy marriage. Tara’s background was the opposite--a healthy, intact family that had faith at its foundation. Two people with such different histories were bound to face some hard stuff. God knew they needed to face it and they would need His help to do it. Joe and Tara are the hosts of Behind Our Smiles, a podcast on the Wow God Podcast Network. 

One of Humberto Salgado’s favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” There are few places as hopeless as the Diamond cell block in a maximum security prison near Mexico City.  When Humberto was invited to visit, he felt God wanted him to go, but he was afraid.  The men of the Diamond cell block were the worst offenders- dangerous men serving multiple life sentences.  And among the worst, was a man they called “the Devil.”  In the view of most people, there was no hope any of these men could be transformed, especially the Devil.

Kevin Santiago was driven to succeed.  He set out to acquire the things he thought would bring happiness – a good job, house, car, and family.  But when his plans began to crumble, he fell into depression.  One night he got in his car after having a few drinks.  It was a choice that had devastating consequences and left Kevin overwhelmed with guilt and shame.  Facing years in prison, he began to believe his life wasn’t worth living. Kevin’s story is a reminder that there is no one who is too far gone, no sin or story that is beyond God’s power to redeem. This episode includes references to depression and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

Nigerian-born singer and songwriter Blessing Offor shares his incredible journey of faith and perseverance. Leaving his family at a young age for medical treatment in the US, Blessing recounts unfortunate events that impacted his vision and faith. He explores different beliefs but ultimately strengthens his faith in Christianity. The hosts discuss the impact of Blessing's song 'Brighter Days' and express gratitude to listeners. They also celebrate milestones and express gratitude for their podcast's 100th episode.

Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Company, shares his journey from missionary to CEO. Topics include finding a calling in vocational ministry, creating the first leather bag, unique company headquarters, owning a marketing category, the impact of Blue the dog, and spreading the word of Jesus through the company's products and social media engagement.

Not long after Jamie Winship joined the police force, he realized he was not equipped to face the challenges on the streets of Washington DC. He needed supernatural help to live out his God-given identity as a peacemaker. Jamie learned how to listen to God. God gave him creative, often radical, solutions that transformed hardened criminals into followers of Jesus.  His track record was so successful, he was recruited by the CIA. Jamie spent 30 years working in some of the most dangerous conflict zones on earth, including with terrorists in the Middle East.  Jamie is the author of Living Fearless, and he and his wife Donna are the founders of IdentityExchange.com