The Unfolding

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: jaime@innovativemedicine.com  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