The Unfolding

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Page 222: Michael Ritchason: From Struggle to Strength- the Power of Surrender Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Michael Ritchason grew up feeling like he was on the losing end of the comparison game. Insecurity drove him to chase affirmation and attention. It worked for a time, but then his girlfriend left, his cool car crashed, and the rest of his world seemed to be falling apart. Soon Michael was falling apart, too. Discouragement led to disconnection, and that led to depression. One night, he began to believe the lie that he was utterly alone. Then God, the One called Immanuel – God with us, did something supernatural. It was a reminder that Michael wasn't alone, and God had plans and a purpose for him. Michael is the lead pastor at Riverside Community Church, a multi-cultural, multi-generational, and multi-socioeconomic church in the heart of Peoria, Illinois.

Follow Michael on YouTube and Instagram.

To hear In Fulfillment, our Biblical Audio Drama, and go deeper into the Christmas story, go to https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/in-fulfillment/

Unfolding Short Stories: "Call your father and hurry." Mark Winter finds reconciliation Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

What began as a simple prayer meeting led to deep healing and reconciliation. As Mark wrestled with years of hurt, God's voice broke through, impressing these urgent words on his heart: "Call your father and hurry." That phone call, made just three hours before his father's passing, became a moment of profound restoration. This story is a reminder of God's relentless pursuit and perfect timing to heal what's broken.

Also, Mark wrote a book called J ust One Word: A Collection of Advent Devotionals, if you're looking for new ways to connect with Jesus this Christmas.

Page 221: Barry and Gina Copeland: Finding Hope When Your Loved One is Addicted Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Barry and Gina Copeland have learned when it comes to addiction, desperation is a good thing. That's when you finally realize Jesus is your only hope. Barry and Gina have followed Jesus and worked in ministry for years, and yet their son struggled with addiction for more than a decade. They tried everything they knew to "fix" the problem. In the process, they lost their joy, their dreams, and lived in chaos. Then God used powerful experiences to teach them their son's addiction was not their fault, and they couldn't fix him. They changed how they prayed and demonstrated God's love to their son. Today Barry and Gina help those who have loved ones trapped in addiction through the ministry of Finding Hope, a part of Hope Is Alive, an organization that exists to radically change the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics and those who love them.

Unfolding Short Stories: "It was August 23rd, that exact same day...it gives me chills to even talk about it now" - Megan Nilsen reflects on her family's adoption journey Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

After years of questioning if adoption was right for her family, Megan Nilsen felt a clear leading from God to pray, fast, and search His Word. Her 'yes' to adoption opened the door to both immense challenges and undeniable moments of God's presence, teaching her about love, grace, and identity in Christ.

Megan is also the author of the Advent devotional Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, designed to help readers reconnect with God's peace during the holiday season. Learn more at meganbnilsen.com/untangled-advent.

Page 133: Terry Wildman: The Story of the First Nations Version of the Bible Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

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 more than 80,000 copies, bringing hope and healing to many.

IVPress.com

https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Chosen-One-Terry-Wildman/dp/0984770623

Unfolding Short Stories: "In everything, give thanks." Rhonda Stoppe During Her Son's Severe Epilepsy Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

"In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." These words from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 came to mind for Rhonda at her breaking point as her son battled severe epilepsy. Through heartbreak and surrender, she discovered how God brought purpose and beauty even in the hardest moments.

Page 220: Dallas Jenkins: The Story Behind The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

For years, Dallas Jenkins had a weekly notification on his phone, "Pray for Pageant." Dallas is the creator and director of The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus. Twenty years ago, Dallas read a beloved children's novel called, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and fell in love with it. He just knew he was meant to make that book into a movie. It wasn't just a hope or a dream. To Dallas, it felt like a calling. But over and over, for years, Dallas was told "no." There simply seemed to be no way. This is a story about praying, waiting, and following God's direction, even when there seems to be no hope.

BestChristmasPageantEver.movie

TheChosen.TV

Unfolding Short Stories: "...your tears don't fall on the ground—God holds them." Mey Deras Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

Mey Deras' story is about overcoming—surviving childhood abuse, losing her mother, navigating her daughter's life-threatening health crisis, and enduring immigration struggles. Through it all, she's seen God's faithfulness in remarkable ways. Now a biblical counselor, Mey helps others find hope and healing.

She also invites listeners to her free virtual event (Nov. 22-24), Comforted by His Love, where women can learn practical tools to experience God's comfort and strength. You can register for Mey's event here.

Unfolding Short Stories: "Come back before winter" - Deitrich Bonhoeffer asks God what to do, as told by Christian Historian Joe Thomas Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Christian historian Joe Thomas shares the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's struggle to discern God's will during a critical moment in history. As World War II loomed, Bonhoeffer faced a life-altering decision: remain safely in America or return to Nazi Germany to stand with his church. Discover how a simple Bible verse, "Come before winter," became a divine call that shaped his courageous path.

Do you have a story where you needed to hear from God in a critical moment? Tell us about it when you click the green microphone button at WowGod.com.

Here's a link to Joe's podcast if you want to go deeper into the life of Deitrich Bonhoeffer: Wayfinding Podcast

Page 219: Raechel Myers: She Reads Truth and the Sustaining Power of God's Word Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Raechel Myers grew up surrounded by God's word. At home, school, and church she was learning about the truth of God's great big story. As a young adult, Raechel and her husband walked through unimaginable grief. The Bible became both a refuge and a lifeline. That season of sorrow shaped her perspective on God's faithfulness, the beauty of community, and the truth that God's Word meets us in the darkest moments. Raechel Myers is the co-founder and CEO of She Reads Truth, a dynamic community of women dedicated to connecting with God through Scripture. Raechel's experience with the power of God's word turned into a passion for helping women engage with the Bible. It has transformed the way thousands around the world experience God's truth. This story includes discussion of pregnancy loss.

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