The Unfolding

If you were old enough to be aware of the events that day, you likely know exactly where you were on September 11, 2001.  In this special 20th anniversary edition of The Unfolding, we are sharing a collection of stories from 9/11.  With each story we move closer to Ground Zero.  We begin 8,000 miles from Manhattan in the jungles of the Philippines. Missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham were being held captive by terrorists with ties to Al Qaeda. Mel Torre shares how a supernatural experience helped him get out of the city that day.  From her vantage point overlooking the World Trade Center complex, Christina Stanton was close enough to not only witness the events, but to feel the shockwaves.  The final story takes you inside the South Tower, sharing how Brian Clark, one of only 18 survivors from above the impact zone, saw the hand of God that day.

James Winston understands that Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” means more than simply changing your mind.  It means complete transformation.  When he was 22, James was sent to Viet Nam.  Like thousands of other soldiers, he was introduced to heroin.  That began an addiction that enslaved him for 30 years.  Along the way he served multiple prison sentences and devastated his relationships.  It seemed he would never change.  But at 55 years old, entering his 5th prison term, he knew he needed transformation.  In desperation, he committed to do only one thing – read God’s word.

Chad Mattson is best known as the lead singer of the band Unspoken.   For nearly 20 years he’s been touring the country, writing hit songs like “Reason,” “Call it Grace,” and “Start a Fire.” But before he set foot on a stage or realized that music was going to be a part of his life, Chad was living under the weight of contradiction.  He knew God was real, he’d felt His presence.  Yet his life was driven by addiction.  From cigarettes, to alcohol, to drugs, to living in drug houses, his addictions grew stronger. He moved further away from the life God wanted for him and spent every day chasing the next fix.  

Mike and Shannaree Muzinich say their relationship was like sandpaper.  It was constant abrasion and bracing for the next conflict.  For ten years the two physicians chased after things they thought would bring them happiness- a dream home, prestigious careers and big incomes. Yet they still lived in misery with little expectation that things would get better. Even though they weren’t looking for God and had never believed in Him, one night they had an encounter with Him that changed their lives forever.

Nigerian-born singer and songwriter Blessing Offor immigrated to the United States when he was six years old, leaving his parents and five older siblings behind. His family made the difficult choice to send him to America for medical care because he was born with congenital glaucoma and was nearly blind in his left eye. Instead, a few years later a fluke accident left him almost totally blind in both eyes.  It was a series of events that many people might have considered tragic, but Blessing Offor considers a gift. Blessing is a talented musician and songwriter, with songs like “Brighter Days,” “Tin Roof,” and “The Goodness” (with TobyMac).  If you’re in a place where your prayers don’t seem to be answered and it feels like everything has gone wrong, Blessing’s story might change your perspective.  

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 thousands of copies, bringing hope and healing to thousands.  

The spinal surgery Katy Nichole underwent to correct scoliosis left her in excruciating pain.  For three years she battled anxiety and depression.  She came to a point where she wanted to give up, but God met Katy at her lowest and assured her he had a purpose for her life.  It was during those years of struggle that Katy began to realize God had given her the gift of music so she could encourage others.  Katy Nichole’s song, “In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)” became a viral sensation and set a record for the fastest rise to #1 for a female artist’s debut single.  In this episode, Katy shares the story behind the song and how she became convinced there is always hope with Jesus.

Throughout scripture God tells us, “Do not be afraid,” and yet we face a lot of fearful situations in life.  How do you live without fear?  Paul and Hannah McClure are worship leaders and songwriters who have experienced fear and anxiety just like many of us.  But during COVID, they had a scary experience, triggering fears that shook them to the core.  But this encounter taught them something new about fear and God and what we can experience when we know that He is with us.

When Lana Vasquez met Jesus at 19, she knew she had been rescued to rescue others. Within a few short years, she was a full-time missionary with Life Impact International rescuing kids from trafficking in Thailand. It was a daunting mission, far beyond what she could do in her own strength. In fact, the work often seemed impossible. But when God asks us to do the impossible and we’re willing to say yes, we are in the perfect position to see the miraculous.

Growing up in Southern California, Lana Vasquez found herself looking for love in all the wrong places. By the time she was a teenager, she was trapped in an abusive relationship, addicted to alcohol and drugs, and spent her nights as a dancer in the clubs of Hollywood. She was living a fast life, but even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood couldn’t hide the fact that she felt desperately empty. At 19 years old, Lana heard the Gospel for the first time. When God rescued her, she knew she was called to rescue others. Within 4 years Lana was a full-time missionary rescuing kids in Thailand through the ministry of Life Impact International.