The Unfolding

John Lumgair is a director at http://QuirkyMotion.com, where he makes animation and illustrations to spark thoughts, laughter and imagination. John is an artist in the world, but not of it. John is a storyteller and digital animator on a project called "Jazz Cow". Though "Jazz Cow" is not a Christian show, it has many Christians on the project, and speaks to things inherent to the experience of God's creation, encouraging us to go against the algorithm of life brought on by "technocratic leaders". John talks about what it's like to feel a calling to be an artist.  Maybe you feel a calling to be used by God in the world of art. Maybe God is using you already in the art world. If so, consider sharing your story here. Just click the green microphone button.  Click to learn more about John and his team's project called "Jazz Cow". 

When you live in some of the most difficult conflict zones on earth, it helps to have a peace that surpasses understanding.  Donna Winship and her husband Jamie spent more than 25 years living in places like Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan and Israel.  Those hard years forged an understanding of God’s love and forgiveness that transformed Donna’s life.  Along the way, Donna discovered principles of the Kingdom of God that brought peace and freedom – even when living in a culture of war, terrorism, conflict and death.  Donna and Jamie are co-founders of Identity Exchange. Jamie is the author of Living Fearless. Learn more about their free resource, Finding Hope in Depression at Identity Exchange.com  Donna's husband Jamie Winship was featured on Page 168 of the Unfolding.  Do you have a story to share based on hearing this story, or want to share how God has used it to encourage you. Click the link here, and use the green microphone button.   

Kim Kidd shares her remarkable journey from addiction and despair to freedom and transformation through faith. Raised by a praying grandmother but lost in a life of drug dealing, Kim hit rock bottom when she faced a 50-year prison sentence. In that jail cell, she encountered God in a powerful way, witnessing miracles that sparked revival behind bars. Don’t miss this inspiring story of redemption, hope, and the faith that changed Kim’s life forever.   To hear more stories of God ministering to people in prison, check out the latest episode of the "Wow God Stories" podcast, guest hosted by Rob Vischer.    To hear Kim Kidd's full story on "The Unfolding", listen to "Page 17" on Apple or Spotify.    Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify To share your own Wow God Story with us, click on the green microphone button here. 

When Chad Staerkel was young, he was rebellious, wild and crazy.  He was the kid who was always jumping off the garage, riding fast motorcycles, and dreaming about flying F 16’s. He seemed to have no fear. When Chad’s spirit of adventure was combined with complete trust in God, he realized the sky is the limit.  As a professional skydiver, Chad has jumped out of an airplane more than 11,000 times. Beyond skydiving, Chad has been willing to take risks to follow God wherever He leads. What he has witnessed has only made him more confident in Jesus.  Does fear keep you from following God?  Chad’s story just might inspire you to take a leap of faith and embrace the adventure of following God. Chad is the author of Doctrines of Grace.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Daniel Maritz shares the powerful story of his own faith journey, and following in the faith footsteps of his father. Through personal losses and life's trials, Daniel learns to fully surrender and trust in God's plan. Ultimately, God leads Daniel from a career in modeling to the creation of a global online ministry.

Why? It is a question that has wrecked the faith of many.  Why would God allow this? Why didn’t God intervene? Why didn’t He answer our prayers?  Andrea Mercier is very familiar with the question “Why, God?” After years of infertility, Andrea and her husband experienced the joy of getting pregnant and then giving birth to their son, Gabriel.  Then they noticed Gabriel’s development was delayed. He was eventually diagnosed with autism and a rare, genetic condition that gradually robbed his abilities.  It was heart-crushing.  And yet, Andrea has come to a place of deep, deep intimacy with God.  If you are struggling to reconcile a good God with hard circumstances, Andrea’s story will encourage you.  Andrea is a pastor, speaker, and the author of Oliver’s Extraordinary Friend: A Boy’s Journey of Embracing Autism. 

"Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Yes, it can." William Winfield shares how his faith in Christ transformed his life from homelessness to hope and purpose. Reflecting on his journey, William reminds us that the greatest tragedy in life isn't death, but living without purpose. Hear how God has used William in key moments of a few men's lives, and how his Christlike compassion to them at just the right moment gave them much-needed hope and a lasting life change.

God is all about transformation.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God loves second chances.  Jermaine Wilson had spent four years in prison by the time he was 19. His dad had been to prison. His brother had been to prison, and his sister had been to prison. Jermaine’s search for love led him to earn acceptance through criminal activity and gang involvement. But it was a trap. He wanted a different life yet there seemed to be no way out. How does a gang member, drug dealer and prison inmate become the mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas?  That’s the incredible God-story of Jermaine Wilson.  Today, Jermaine is the mission ambassador for Prison Fellowship. 

Tony Burkeybyle knows what it is to be a broken man. He also knows what it is to live a surrendered life. Tony now volunteers in prisons, guiding men to forgiveness and a life rooted in God's grace. In this episode, Tony shares how his son's imprisonment led him to minister to men at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, pointing them toward the freedom and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Katie Campell has always had a passion to pray for people.  A few years ago, she began to sense God was asking her to follow him to a place she didn’t yet know and for a ministry that wasn’t yet clear. To most people, that sounds crazy. Why would you pack up your family, move 2500 miles to a place where you knew no one, for a ministry that didn’t even exist?  This is the story behind 30A Prays, a ministry on the beaches of County Road 30A which spans the Gulf Coast of Florida roughly between Destin and Panama City. Since March of 2023, 30A Prays has prayed for and shared the Gospel with thousands of Gen-Z students from across the U.S.  God is moving among Gen Z on the beaches of 30A, and it began with a free fall of faith.