The Nancy Grandquist Podcast

Latest Episodes:

49. Betty Parish - Finding Purpose Behind Prison Walls Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

In one of the most moving conversations on The Nancy Grandquist Podcast, Nancy sits down inside a women's correctional facility with Betty Parish—a woman whose life has become a powerful testimony of God's redeeming grace. After spending 35 years in prison, Betty shares how bitterness, anger, and regret nearly defined her early years of incarceration until a life-changing encounter with God's forgiveness transformed everything.

What followed is nothing short of remarkable. Betty discovered that prison did not have to be the end of her story—it became the place where God revealed her purpose. Through mentoring women, teaching Christ-centred life courses, leading community service initiatives, and investing in hundreds of lives, Betty has become a beacon of hope behind prison walls. Her testimony reminds us that no circumstance is beyond God's reach and that purpose can flourish wherever hearts are surrendered to Him.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Forgiveness changed everything. Betty's journey shifted when she accepted God's forgiveness and chose to forgive others.

• God can reveal purpose anywhere. Prison became the very place where Betty discovered her life's calling.

• Lasting transformation begins in the heart. Changed behaviour is the result of a changed heart.

• Serving others brings healing. Betty found joy and restoration by investing in the lives of those around her.

• Grace changes lives. Experiencing genuine love and acceptance restored Betty's confidence in both God and the Church.

• The gospel produces lasting fruit. Through her Christ-centred mentoring programme, more than 720 women have graduated, with only two returning to prison.

• Every person has God-given value. No failure or past mistake can cancel God's purpose for a person's life.

• The Church should always lead with mercy. Betty encourages believers to create places where hurting people are heard, loved, and restored.

QUOTES FROM BETTY PARISH

"I found that you can be happy anywhere. No matter where you are, if you allow God to work in you, He will."

"It's not a crime issue—it's a heart issue. When the heart changes, the behaviour changes."

"We have a choice. We can be predators, or we can be partners with our community."

48. John Hemus – The Favor of God in Unexpected Places Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of The Nancy Grandquist Podcast, Nancy sits down with missionary, pastor, and evangelist John Hemus to discuss the extraordinary doors God has opened for him and the church in Israel.

What began with a simple act of service renovating homes for Holocaust survivors has grown into remarkable relationships with Jewish leaders, emergency services, government officials, and communities throughout Israel. Through years of faithful service, genuine love, and a deep respect for the Jewish people, Bro Hemus has witnessed God open doors that only He could open.

From meeting with Israeli leaders to renovating ambulance stations during a time of conflict, he shares powerful stories of divine appointments, supernatural favour, and opportunities to share the message of Jesus in places he never imagined. His testimony is a reminder that God often works through ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

This conversation is filled with faith-building moments, end-time insights, and a fresh vision for reaching both Jewish and Muslim communities with the gospel. Above all, John reminds us that when God opens a door, we must be willing to walk through it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

God often opens extraordinary doors through simple acts of service.
Trust and influence are built through years of consistency, love, and integrity.
Divine favour cannot be manufactured—it is a gift from God.
The gospel transcends cultural, political, and religious barriers.
The message of Pentecost remains as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.
God delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Every person, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to hear the gospel.

QUOTES FROM JOHN HEMUS

“God's favor has opened doors for this knucklehead, and it's amazing because I know He is putting me there to tell people about Him.”

“The message that brought the church into existence is the same message that will take the church off the earth.”

“The Muslims deserve the gospel as much as we do and as much as the Jews do. He died for every man and woman in the world.”

Podcast Update Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Recently, I spoke with Nancy Grandquist's late husband, Bro Richard Grandquist, and he asked that we publish the conversations that she had already recorded before her passing - so starting this week we will begin releasing the remaining episodes.

47. Jeff Mallory – Faith, Fear, and Finding Gratitude in Suffering Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

In this moving episode, Nancy Grandquist sits down with missionary and cancer survivor Jeff Mallory to talk about the deep lessons that can only come through suffering. Diagnosed with stage-four mantle cell lymphoma and told there was no cure, Jeff shares how he discovered that faith is not a feeling — it’s trust. From debilitating panic attacks to miraculous healing, his journey reveals how gratitude, praise, and prayer can turn despair into peace and pain into purpose.

Jeff’s testimony reminds listeners that God is still present in our darkest valleys and that suffering can become sacred ground when it leads us closer to Him. His words challenge us to ask a new kind of question — not “Why me?” but “What if the best is yet to come?”

Key Points

Faith is not a feeling: Emotions are human, but faith is a decision to trust God even when feelings fail.
Managing fear through gratitude: Jeff shares his three-step process — thank Him until you’re grateful, praise Him until you break through, and pray for others.
The power of imagination: Fear hijacks the imagination, but hope reclaims it with “What if God still has something greater ahead?”
Miracles defy explanation: Jeff recounts how doctors called his healing “something science has no explanation for.”
Suffering refines priorities: Pain strips away what’s temporary so we can rediscover what’s eternal.
Gratitude is a discipline: The Mallorys kept a “gratitude jar” during treatment to remind themselves of God’s faithfulness daily.
This too will pass: Even the darkest season is temporary — hope is always alive in Christ.

46. Beverly Flowers Woodward - All for His Glory Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In this deeply moving episode, Beverly Flowers Woodward—wife of Rev. Raymond Woodward—shares her personal journey through a season of suffering and miraculous healing from cancer. Speaking with grace, transparency, and deep spiritual insight, Beverly highlights the sustaining power of prayer, church community, and God’s Word during her battle. From diagnosis to healing, she opens up about how God spoke to her heart, how faith activated her healing, and how gratitude shaped her perspective. This episode is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the power of sharing our testimonies.

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Timestamps:

00:12 – 03:00 – Introduction & personal reflections
03:00 – 06:00 – Beverly’s family and ministry background
06:00 – 07:15 – The power of parental prayer
07:15 – 10:35 – The diagnosis: Receiving a cancer diagnosis and God’s voice
10:35 – 14:08 – Tests, treatments, and surgery (including her miracle on June 1)
14:08 – 16:00 – Healing updates and testimony of no cancer remaining
16:00 – 18:25 – The three spiritual anchors during suffering
18:25 – 21:00 – The church as a place of healing and strength
21:00 – 24:25 – Fighting with the Word of God
24:25 – 27:00 – Life-giving scriptures and healing declarations
27:00 – 30:00 – Faith, action, and spiritual authority
30:00 – 33:30 – Speaking the Word: David, Paul, and the power of declaration
33:30 – 36:00 – Medicine and miracles: Trusting God and doctors
36:00 – 38:30 – A new appreciation for medical professionals
38:30 – 40:18 – Final reflections: The importance of gratitude and sharing our story

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Key Takeaways:

“All for My Glory” — the phrase God spoke to Beverly after her diagnosis
Prayer in the Spirit was her lifeline in dark moments
Faith is more than belief—it requires declaration and action
The church is more than a building—it’s a healing station
Scripture is a living, breathing force for healing
Gratitude changes our perspective, even in suffering
Medical help can coexist with divine healing
Our testimonies are meant to strengthen others
Healing comes not just through miracles, but through the process
God’s Word is the sword in spiritual battle—use it boldly

45. Joel Urshan - Finding Purpose in Suffering Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Pastor Joel Urshan shares profound insights on the transformative power of suffering, revealing how our darkest moments can lead to deeper compassion and spiritual growth. Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, he explains how suffering creates a unique fellowship with Christ that enables us to minister to others in ways that prosperity alone cannot.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:01:48] - The Perfect Work of Patience

Pastor Joel discusses his message on "The Perfect Work of Patience" based on the story of Job
Key quote: "Long suffering is not just patience; it's suffering for a long time."

[00:04:25] - The Story of Grandma Urshan's Accident

Shares the tragic story of his grandmother's violent car accident at age 84
Key quote: "The last words we know that she said were these: 'Brother Mooney, the Lord does all things well.'"

[00:06:26] - Wrestling with Suffering

Pastor Joel describes his struggle to understand his grandmother's suffering
Key quote: "Lord, I don't understand this. It doesn't make any sense to me. I thought we reaped what we sowed."

[00:07:40] - God's Response to Questioning

Reveals the profound revelation he received when questioning God about suffering
Key quote: "I died a violent death... my apostles all but one died violent deaths. And did you ever wonder why they weren't afraid? Because they had tasted of the powers of the world to come."

[00:10:46] - Meeting a Young Woman in a Wheelchair

Shares the story of a 21-year-old wheelchair-bound woman who connected with his message
Key quote: "It wasn't your suffering. It was mine, but I was able to communicate my suffering through you."

[00:12:47] - The Purpose of Suffering

Explains how suffering creates compassion and enables us to relate to broken people
Key quote: "Suffering puts us in proximity to the suffering of Christ. And that's how we have fellowship with his suffering."

[00:17:20] - Job's Testimony of Christ

Connects Job's suffering to Christ's suffering and purpose
Key quote: "The whole purpose was that people could be saved and it took an accepted intercessor."

[00:18:51] - The Value of Suffering

Discusses how suffering shapes great people and provides unique ministry opportunities
Key quote: "We've never met a great person who hasn't had great suffering."

[00:20:50] - Finding Hope in Suffering

Nancy and Pastor Joel discuss finding purpose and hope in difficult seasons
Key quote: "There is a purpose in this suffering. There is a reason. We may not see it right now, but through our sufferings, through our sorrows, there are gifts that come to us."

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Suffering creates a unique fellowship with Christ that enables us to minister to others in ways prosperity alone cannot.
When we surrender our suffering to God, it strips away things contrary to Him and makes us more effective in reaching others.
God is present in our suffering in ways we might not experience otherwise, offering peace that passes understanding.
It's acceptable to ask God honest, raw questions about our suffering while maintaining our faith in His goodness.
The degree of suffering we endure may reflect the level of trust God has in our ability to bear it.

44. A Pastor’s Journey to Oneness w/ John Downs - We Worship One God - E12 Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this compelling conversation, Bishop John Downs, former General Superintendent of UPC Australia, shares his transformative journey from Trinitarianism to a deep revelation of the Oneness of God. With a logical and scriptural approach, he walks listeners through pivotal Old and New Testament scriptures that reveal Jesus as the one true God. Bishop Downs also explores the limitations of modern science in dating the earth, discusses creation from a biblical worldview, and testifies to the power of revelation and patient love in sharing truth. This episode is both theological and deeply personal—an essential listen for anyone seeking clarity on the identity of Jesus.

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Podcast Outline with Timestamps:

00:13 – Introduction
Nancy introduces Bishop John Downs and sets the stage for a deep dive into the oneness of God.

01:09 – Discovering Oneness in Isaiah
John shares how Isaiah 43:10–11 and 45:21–22 first challenged his Trinitarian perspective.

03:25 – Connecting Old and New Testaments
Titus 2:13 and Revelation 1 confirm that Jesus is the one true God.

07:13 – The Shift from Trinitarianism to Oneness
Bishop Downs recounts how his personal and pastoral debates gradually led him toward biblical oneness.

08:57 – Creation, Science, and Faith
He shares a university paper defending a young earth and critiques the reliability of carbon dating.

13:15 – The Wheel of Prophecy
John introduces a tool that helped him understand the unity of scripture.

16:47 – Jesus and the First Commandment
Exploring Deuteronomy 6:4 and Jesus’ affirmation of the one true God.

20:42 – Revelation and the Throne of God
Discussion of Revelation 4 and the meaning of Jesus sitting on the throne.

21:32 – Jesus: The Fullness of the Godhead
Colossians 2:9 and Isaiah 9:6 reveal Jesus as both the mighty God and everlasting Father.

29:04 – The Mystery of Godliness
1 Timothy 3:16 and Colossians 1 highlight the beauty of God manifest in the flesh.

34:27 – The Blindness of Trinitarianism
Explaining how philosophy and spiritual blindness have obscured the truth of the oneness of God.

36:05 – “This Takes the Cake” Moment
John 14:7–11 becomes a defining passage for Bishop Downs’ full revelation of Jesus as the Father.

39:12 – God’s Suffering and Redemptive Plan
The love of God is revealed in Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.

44:00 – Gutter Water Illustration
A powerful parable showing how even small doctrinal errors pollute truth.

47:15 – The Name of Jesus and Salvation
Discussion on the singular authority and power in the name of Jesus.

48:44 – Love and Truth in Doctrine
Bishop Downs encourages patient, loving dialogue while standing firm on biblical truth.

52:27 – Accountability for Truth
Once you hear or see truth, you are responsible to respond to it.

53:06 – Closing Prayer
Bishop Downs prays for listeners to receive revelation, understanding, and love for God’s Word.

43. Understanding God as the Bible Reveals Him w/ Eli Lopez - We Worship One God - E11 Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Nancy Grandquist Podcast we continue our series, "We Worship One God," with this discussion with Eli Lopez.

He is the president and a professor at Christian Life College, where he teaches theology and serves as an administrator. He also holds a pastoral role under Nathaniel Haney at Christian Life Centre and is the district prayer coordinator for the Western District.

The discussion delves into the theological understanding of the oneness of God, particularly focusing on the interpretation of Matthew 28:19 and the practice of baptism in Jesus' name. Pastor Lopez explains the biblical basis for the oneness doctrine, emphasizing the singularity of God and the divine nature of Jesus Christ. He recounts personal anecdotes and scholarly insights to illustrate the power and authority in the name of Jesus, and how this understanding influences worship and spiritual life. The conversation also touches on the importance of humility and respect in theological discussions, especially with those who hold different beliefs.

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Timestamped Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction and Roles 00:13 - 01:27

Chapter 2: Personal Life and Family 01:28 - 03:41

Chapter 3: Series on Worship and Theology 03:42 - 04:24

Chapter 3: Series on Worship and Theology 04:25 - 09:54

Chapter 4: Theological Discussion on Baptism 09:55 - 19:59

Chapter 5: Understanding the Oneness of God 20:00 - 24:40

Chapter 6: Personal Experiences and Revelations 24:41 - 30:06

Chapter 7: Practical Implications of Oneness Theology 30:07 - 34:14

Chapter 8: Revelation and Worship 34:15⁠ - ⁠41:03⁠

Chapter 9: Humility and Grace in Theology 41:04 - 43:03

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Prayer

42. The Invisible Made Visible: Exploring God's Image w/ Nathaniel Haney - We Worship One God - E10 May 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Nancy Grandquist Podcast we continue our series, "We Worship One God," with this discussion with Pastor Nathaniel Haney.

The conversation delves into the concept of the oneness of God, exploring the identity and image of Jesus Christ both before and after Bethlehem. [27:56] Pastor Haney articulates the idea that God has always had a visible image, which was present even before the creation of the world, and this image is the same as Jesus Christ. He explains how this image was the focal point for communication with God, serving as the visible representation of the invisible God. The discussion covers various biblical passages, including Colossians, Philippians, and John, to support the idea that Jesus is the image of God and the creator of all things. [21:36] Pastor Haney also touches on the theological implications of understanding Jesus as the fullness of God, emphasizing the importance of this revelation for worship and prayer.

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Timestamped Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction and Historical Context 00:13 - 01:43

Chapter 2: The Oneness Truth and Vision 01:43 - 02:40

Chapter 3: The Identity of Jesus Before and After Bethlehem 02:40 - 06:14

Chapter 4: The Magnitude of God and His Spirit 06:14 - 10:33

Chapter 5: The Image of God and Its Role 10:33 - 19:03

Chapter 6: Biblical References to the Image of God 19:03 - 29:41

Chapter 7: The Word Made Flesh 29:41 - 39:47

Chapter 8: Personal Experiences and Revelations 39:47 - 48:41

Chapter 9: The Role of Angels and Spiritual Battles 48:41 - 50:37

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Call to Action 50:37 - 01:03:32

41. Faith, Legacy, and the Name of Jesus w/ Tom Copple - We Worship one God E9 May 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Nancy Grandquist Podcast we continue our series, "We Worship One God," with this discussion with Pastor Tom Copple.

The discussion begins with the history of the Urshan family, who immigrated from Persia, and their experiences in Jerusalem during the 1948 war. [00:29] Pastor Copple shares the story of his family's displacement and their journey to Canada. The conversation transitions to theological topics, focusing on the series "We Worship One God." Pastor Copple explains the concept of God in Christianity, the significance of Jesus Christ, and the importance of faith and obedience. [05:25] He discusses the nature of God, the image of God in humans, and the eternal soul. The episode also touches on the challenges of modern relativism and the importance of maintaining faith amidst societal changes. [18:47] Pastor Copple emphasizes the role of prayer and trust in God's timing and methods, sharing insights from Sis Thetus Tenney. [28:47] The episode concludes with Pastor Copple's encouragement to love unconditionally and the importance of character witness in evangelism. [26:45]

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Timestamped Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction and Family Legacy 00:13 - 05:59

Chapter 2: Theological Discussion on Jesus and Faith 06:12 - 14:48

Chapter 3: The Role of Obedience and Faith in Christianity 15:17 - 19:25

Chapter 4: Challenges and Perseverance in Faith 19:41 - 23:38

Chapter 5: Encouragement for Prayer Warriors 23:51 - 30:38

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Church Information 30:43 - 32:02