Shows
Who is God?Anchored in Christ -Mike AndersonMike was raised in a loosely religious family, first encountering Christ at a Bible Camp. While he chose to be baptized as a teenager, his faith remained surface level, seeing it more as a ticket to heaven than a true relationship. It wasn’t until the tragic events of 9/11 that he began to take these questions of faith seriously. Shortly after, a former teammate reconnected with him and offered mentorship, guiding him through the Gospel of John and helping him grasp his faith's true meaning. This transformative experience led Mike and his wife to commit to their lives to Ch...2024-10-291h 06
Who is God?Finding Value in Christ -Mark LighthallMark grew up in a home devoid of love. Despite attending a Seventh-day Adventist school, the spiritual teachings of his childhood felt distant and irrelevant compared to the harshness of his home life. His father was emotionally and physically abusive, referring to Mark and his brother as "slaves" and beating them for minor infractions if his rules were not kept. One particularly traumatic incident involved Mark being severely beaten for eating “too much deli meat,” further instilling a sense of worthlessness that permeated much of his early life. This sense of feeling worthless defined Mark for much of h...2024-10-221h 25
Who is God?Greatest Life on the Planet -Greatest Life MinistriesGraham Stanford grew up in Yorkshire, England. He did not grow up in a churched environment, or have any longing to pursue faith or church; his only love was soccer. Yet, despite being involved in soccer, he desired to seek and find truth in his life. While attending a youth club, a friend introduced him to Christ, leading him to embrace faith after learning about Jesus’ message: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."With an emphasis the “greatest life" he found in the fulfilling promise and direction of Christ, Stanford founded “Greatest Life Ministries” to sprea...2024-10-151h 03
Who is God?The Lavish Grace of God -Steve DonaldSteve grew up in a coastal lake district community in Northeast England, the son of a miner and member of a large family. He experienced a significant transformation when he encountered Christianity during his college years. Feeling isolated after a delayed start to his college experience due to a heart condition, Steve met Malcolm, a Christian whose friendship and acceptance lit a spark in Steve to explore his faith. Throughout those college years, Steve found Christ’s presence becoming more real in his life, shifting his perception of God from distant and powerless to loving and present, and would ev...2024-10-081h 07
Who is God?Seeing God in All Things -Rick KmentRick grew up in a traditional Christian family in Norfolk, Nebraska. He grew up attending church regularly, learning Bible stories, and eagerly learning about God. While he believed, and his faith was sincere, it wasn’t until later that his relationship with God went from traditional to personal. He attended college in Kansas, where he became involved in campus ministries and, soon after graduating, went on a life-changing mission trip to Egypt. This experience shifted his perspective, allowing him to see a more global, less “Americanized” view of Christianity in a part of the world where such beliefs were persec...2024-10-011h 25
Who is God?Trusting in God's Provision -Lynn BergenLynn grew up working on a farm in rural Sutton, Nebraska. Raised by parents who made faith an everyday practice, Lynn attended a small Methodist church, prayed at every meal, and learned the value of hard work alongside his three older brothers. Lynn first felt God's presence during thunderstorms on the farm and the stillness of country nights. As Lynn grew older, his faith evolved from being a family tradition to a personal relationship with God. He learned to trust in God’s provision in profound ways, such as when he and his wife had to decide be...2024-09-2452 min
Who is God?Surrender, Strength, and Building a Family on Faith -Dennis NunDennis grew up in a close-knit farming community in Nebraska, surrounded by faith in a churched environment. His family attended church, and he even went through catechism. Despite this, his faith remained intellectual and cultural, lacking a personal connection with Jesus as he wrestled with the contradictory things he learned in church and school. While attending a management seminar in Green Lake, Wisconsin, in his mid-20s, a friend asked Dennis if he had ever accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Dennis realized that while he knew about God, he had never made a...2024-09-171h 14
Who is God?Transformed Through Prayer and Community -Mike KritikosMike’s story is a journey of faith and how, through struggle and pain, God was able to work through and transform his life. Despite growing up in a Greek Orthodox family, Mike had a distant relationship with faith. He referred to his connection with Jesus as a "valet" type—reaching out when in need but otherwise leaving church for Sundays. He spent 20 years working in his family's restaurant, shaping him into a man with a strong work ethic and desire to pursue the American Dream but leaving little room for spiritual development.Later in life...2024-09-101h 36
Who is God?Deeper Purpose in the Struggle - John RadwayJohn grew up as an only child in a separated home. Although he was baptized in the Lutheran Church at an early age, his faith never progressed beyond book knowledge. In 1954, John attended Bethany High School in Minnesota for his sophomore year, taking a train to Mankato with just a trunk of clothes and supplies. This move marked the true beginning of his journey as God worked through John and those around him, leading him to meet his future wife, Karen, and igniting his passion for architectural drafting.With a restless and yearning spirit, John traveled across...2024-09-031h 04
Who is God?Paul's Journey from Sexual Abuse Victim to Survivor, from Anger to Peace and JoyPaul’s is a story of buried hurt that had to be dealt with regardless of the pain that revealing and healing would cause. His story is evidence that God wants us to be healed. God heals us in community. Healing is often painful, but always worth it. God will make something bad into something good. This is called redemption.Paul shared his story of being sexually assaulted as a young child. He was young enough that he didn’t really remember, and doubted whether his memories were true. Then as an adult married and watching his own...2024-07-311h 11
Who is God?Under Construction- Eli Part 2 MATURE CONTENTEli Carpenter Part 2In Episode 1 "On the Road to Destruction", we saw how Eli’s life was a road of destruction filled with anger, addiction and crime that led to Eli’s incarceration. In this episode we’ll see how God has Eli "Under Construction" and how God is growing, maturing and healing Eli and making him the man God always intended him to be. Eli starts to share How God walked him out of addiction to Drugs, Pornography, Anger. We see how God put the pieces in place for Ely’s life to change. From men...2024-07-191h 26
Who is God?On the Road to Destruction - Eli *MATURE CONTENTEli was a middle child raised by a single mother. He didn’t know his dad early on, except what his mom shared about some of the stories of fear and abuse. He was angry as a child and didn’t know why. “I don’t know where it came from, but as a young man, I had a lot of rage” He spent much of his youth in different types of treatment and detention.As a child Eli was out of control, this led to diagnosis like Bipolar, ADHA, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder… “I was conditioned/ trained to believe tha...2024-07-081h 08
Who is God?In the middle of the trial, remember that God has a plan for you. Adam E Part 2In the middle of the trial, remember that God has a plan for you. In Part 2 of Adam’s story, Adam is learning to surrender and let God be Sovereign. Even when he can’t see the outcome. Adam has been learning patience through the trials he’s gone through. God started to “equip” Adam daily to be a better parent as he learns to remember that his boys are an answer to prayer in the moments, knowing that God has a plan for them just like God has had a plan for Adam. So Adam is le...2024-06-261h 19
Who is God?Adam learned that God is with us even if we ignore Him. Adam EngelmanThis is the first in a two part story. We’ll walk with Adam through his formative years as he learns to trust God. In the second episode we’ll hear how Adam is in the middle of putting that trust into action in the middle of the storm.Adam grew up in a close family working in agriculture in Kansas. His family was active in his Lutheran church growing up. While very active in the church as a child as he grew up, it became less meaningful. Were there times that he needed God to s...2024-06-1959 min
Who is God?How did a foul-ball screwed-up kid end up in the middle of God’s love? - Larry Wayne How does a foul-ball screwed-up kid, who doesn’t want to make it to 14, get to this place in the middle of God’s love.Larry started life very confused about who God is. His parents divorced when he was young and he felt that the broken family was his fault. Thinking that if he had been a better kid, his parents would still be married. As an Altar Boy in a Latin Catholic Mass, Larry had no understanding of what he was involved in. This left Larry at a point where God was not even on his...2024-06-121h 22
Who is God?Following a Father’s model of a life lived with The Father. Bob ThuneFollowing a Father’s model of a life lived with the Father. Bob ThuneBob grew up in a small town of 800 in the middle of South Dakota. Bob’s relationship with his dad was very impactful on Bob. He learned a lot about character from his dad’s example.Though Bob’s parents were religious, they weren’t…Genuine Believers. Bob shares the story of how his dad, Harold, as an adult was led to Christ by a high school friend. The high school friend, John, living in California, had a heart for Harold to come to a...2024-06-041h 24
Who is God?From the heights of the Rockies to the bottom of a bottle - Matt Anderson Part 2[This episode is a follow up of Season 1 Episode 2]From the heights of the Rockies to the bottom of a bottle. In the next installment of his story, Matt Anderson shares how he met and gave his life to God in the Rockies at an Amway business meeting and how that encounter transformed his life.It wouldn't be long until his faith would be tested when he and his wife faced the embarrassing loss of a family business and standing in the community. This was followed shortly by the heart wrenching battles of her struggle...2024-05-301h 22
Who is God?An Introvert encounters Christ in relationship with others. The Jim Meyers storyAs Jim went through the caring for his parents as their health failed and he eventually buried them he also saw his marriage fall apart, Jim was confronted with his need for the health and healing that only an intimate God would provide. God would step into his life through his involvement in the church. It was through one on one relationships and small groups that Jim has found healing and meaning in his life. It was through this involvement that Jim would develop relationships with other men who walked with him through the mountains of his...2024-05-231h 35
Who is God?Believing in God was one thing, but having a relationship with God? …That was totally different. -Aaron RoodBelieving in God was one thing, but having a relationship with God? …That was totally different. -Aaron RoodAaron’s life is an example of how even though Aaron was not pursuing God, God was pursuing Aaron. God was putting things in place for Aaron even though he wasn’t asking or seeking. Aaron was a PK (Preacher’s Kid) who eventually found a personal relationship with Jesus after decades in a church. Aaron shares about his journey from being churched to being in a relationship. As a PK, of course Aaron grew up in ch...2024-05-141h 17
Who is God?A Dynamite Story of following God’s vision for your life. - Tom TeckmeyerWhat would it look like if you followed the vision God gave you for your life and ministry? Join me for this Dynamite story. As Tom and Lori share how, “Work Hard. Pray Hard. Trust God." became a mantra on the wall in their home.Early on in his adult life, Tom followed the plan God had for him. He felt his role was to hold God’s hand and let God lead him. From a radio job waiting for him out of college, to a job in the Investment business, to a calling, he and his wife...2024-04-231h 07
Who is God?Success = Love and Safety, Right?!?Success = Love and Safety, Right? - Randy RalstonIs the safety we find in our performance and success truly safe?Randy learned at an early age that Grace existed… but in a performance based environment. He excelled in everything he did, and that led to a sense of safety. The stress of continued performance led him to finally break, learning in the process that God would continue to use him to lead others to healing even though he was broken and resisted letting God heal some of his deepest wounds.This po...2024-04-161h 08
Who is God?Jekyll and Hyde - An alcoholic journey with Steve HawkinsOn today’s episode, I talk with Steve Hawkins about addiction; specifically to Alcohol. For Steve, alcoholism was not the stereotypical journey. His story is not what you normally think of as that of an addict. For years Steve was a highly functioning alcoholic. He was successful at work, in his public life, and even at home. But alcohol still had a grip on his life and eventually it brought him to a breaking point. Steve lived a double life. For years Steve struggled as a living Jekyll and Hyde. Playing the excellent Dr. Jekyll at home an...2024-04-091h 21
Who is God?The long journey from Korea to Nebraska - The Jung Um Story.Born and raised in South Korea, for Jung being a Christian was a cultural and family thing. It wasn’t until his family moved to America that in a High School church group, Jung found his hunger and thirst for God. Then he spent a year in the wilderness, as a freshman in college as the only Korean at USD in Vermillion South Dakota. He was a long way from home and without friends or even others that spoke his language. He had to struggle with loneliness as he had to learn to speak English in order to be a...2024-04-021h 25
Who is God?What if Climax is just the beginning??? Todd GroveThis episode could also be titled, “The Broken - Unbroken. When life broke them, Christ held them together.”I laughed. I cried. This story will move you. Farmer Todd grew up knowing that he would happily fulfill his family expectations of being a sugar beet farmer on the family farm outside the little northern Minnesota Town of Climax. But instead of this being the pinnacle of his life, God said it's just the beginning.Today Todd shares how he faced the loss of dreams, letting his parents down when he felt called to some...2024-03-271h 08
Who is God?A life lived for God - Harold BerryWIG 2-10 Harold BerryThis is a story of a life pursuing God and the ministry of serving God. Harold continued to pursue serving God using the gifts, opportunities and relationships provided to him.At 89, Harold as a widower has met a Widow Mary and the 2 are to wed. Even at their age, God still has a purpose to unite Harold and his new bride.“If you want to hear God speak audibly to you, read the Bible out loud.”The importance of discipleship. follow up. Not just drinking in the word...2024-03-191h 01
Who is God?Graham Stamford and Michael Wolfe - Greatest Life MinistriesToday I talked with the founder of Greatest Life Ministries, and the North American Director. “There is a quality of life that is the greatest possible.”Solves the Greatest ProblemBrings the Greatest GoodProvides the Greatest Future.Michael and Graham share how you and I can live the Greatest Life. And.. There's nothing we can do. It’s letting Christ live in us. We actually have to die to ourselves and Let Christ live the life while taking us along for the ride. This seems a little unbelievable. Join me...2024-03-1354 min
Who is God?Michael Wolfe - You can’t live the Christian life, so stop trying!Born in Iowa, growing up on a farm, in a small town. Though he grew up in a mainline denomination, found himself interested in and looking to the Baha’i faith.While in High School, Michael saw the immediate answer to a prayer. This led to an immediate belief in God. He became a Christian, but says he hadn’t met Jesus. This new faith caused some changes in him that made him look at the world very differently. What Michael calls sin, became very apparent to him. But he still didn’t know what it mean...2024-03-051h 10
Who is God?Power of a Manly Model in a boy’s life, Or lack there of...This is a Story of a broken life that God called to himself. How God provided rest in spite of a journey of brokenness.Carlos, born and raised in Brazil, now living in America. Carlos was led on a journey following a broken model of his father and other men in his life, that took him down a destructive road of seeking fulfillment in worldly success, seeing women as objects to bring him pleasure, but little more.After College, Carlos found himself respected professionally, but detestable in his personal life. This left him feeling alone...2024-02-271h 13
Who is God?A Pastor's Struggle with PornographyIn this episode Pastor John and I talk about a lifelong struggle of guilt, shame, fear, loneliness and rejection that was the result of being introduced to pornography and addiction at a very young age. He shares how he carried this weight alone while growing up as a pastor's kid, through bible college, having false authenticity that prevented deep meaningful intimacy with his wife and even into his time as a pastor. “My Struggle with sin means I’m not acceptable.”The constant fear of being found out and the rejection that surely would follow drove...2024-02-201h 19
Who is God?Manley Maturity through eMotion with Drew FausettJoin me as I sit with a childhood friend who has been dragged through the muck of life. He will share how he moved from failure as a man, father, husband, leader and Christian into a life where he walks hand in hand with God each day. We'll talk about Divorce, Loss of Identity, Brokenness, fruitless efforts at earning Grace and thoughts of Worthlessness and Suicide. Learn how community, especially Christian community can offer healing. Hear how God showed up and affirmed how amazing Drew is, even when Drew didn't think so. 2024-02-131h 18
Who is God?An Unexpected Man to Lead Men - The John Degner StoryJohn, a man led to lead men, and I covered a lot a ground as we discuss his story. It was during the loss of a marriage and business that John found his deep relationship with God. John talks about how surrendering to God created great growth in his life. He shares what it is like to be used by God, to hear God's words come out of your mouth and be exactly what that other person needs to hear and realizing these words could not come from you. This is just scratching...2024-02-081h 14
Who is God?How do I help my son have a personal relationship with God? - Derek EffleLong time friend Derek joins me this week as we talk about fatherhood with The Father. Have you heard your kids ask, "Dad, How did you know?!?" Derek shares a time when God showed up and joined them in the middle of a conversation. God gave them exactly what they needed in that moment in a way that deeply impacted his son's understanding and intimacy with God. Derek has learned to trust God in all that he does. We'll talk about parenting. We'll talk about trusting God when he walks us...2024-01-301h 03
Who is God?From Wild Man to Wild Life Solutions - Steve BorlandToday I chat with Steve Borland. Join us as we hear How Steve migrates through life, aware of God, but not really having anything to do with God. He experiences, the loss of a company and a marriage all with out seeking God and while continuing to enjoy the party side of life.Finally as a single dad he starts pursuing the single mother of his children's friends.Steve pursued her to church which led to connecting with a 'church family.' Her group of friends became his group of friends. Shortly after marrying, on...2024-01-251h 14
Who is God?George Markakis - A Global perspective on America from a Greek EconomistHave you read the book of Revelation? Do you think you know what will happen? You need to hear this.If you have FEAR or ANXIETY about the state of America or the state of the world, you need to hear this.Having talked with George Markakis about his story and understanding his history and ministry, travelling around the world sharing the gospel and see how God is working, I wanted to hear his perspective on America, the Church in America and around the world.What if you think of America not as...2024-01-191h 07
Who is God?From C-Suite to Full time ministry - George Markakis This week I talked with George Markakis. George was Schooled in Economics and worked at the top levels of a multinational corporation.Several miraculous instances in his life led George to believe that someone was behind him and before him. Though George was raised in the Greek Orthodox church, George was a nominal Christian. George states that he knew of God, but had no experience or relationship with God. These encounters culminated on an event that left George in a place of complete surrender.Years later George felt led to leave the success and comfort...2024-01-161h 08
Who is God?Radical Trust with Mark RobertsJoin me as we hear how Mark was slowly walking into a relationship with Jesus. It was commitment to the love of his life that led to commitment to the lover of his soul.Early in his relationship with God, a mentor showed up to help him dig deep into the bible. Then becoming part of bible study with a group who has stayed close for decades has led to a solid relationship of trust in God.You'll hear the integrity in his faith throughout his life and how it has culminated in his current...2024-01-0159 min
Who is God?St Nicholas - The true story. Most of our episodes ask Who Is God? Today we are asking Who Is St. Nicholas?Many of us have grown up with the story of Santa Claus at Christmas. Countless movies have been made about the Jolly Old Fellow. Santa Claus is only about 200 years old. His namesake, St Nicholas, that's another story. This is that story.I welcome friend and self-proclaimed St Nicholas expert Tony Ojeda. (Did you see my rosy-red cheek and wink when I said expert?) Seriously, Join us as we discuss the man names St. Nicholas. Who he was? How...2023-12-221h 01
Who is God?A Rebel Redeemed with Kurt SandquistIn this episode, Kurt talks about how in his teens and early 20's he pursued an exciting life to fill his need to be seen. This led to a rebellious life. This path led him to an encounter with Christ as a late teen. After a few short years of study of God's word and walking with God, God let him venture back into his party life to arrive at a point where he learned the value of surrender, openness and vulnerability and true humility. In Kurt's story we see a God who was attentive in Kurt's...2023-12-191h 14
Who is God?Unlock Peace, Joy and Contentment with Darryl Rahn This week my guest is Cancer Thriver, Darryl Rahn, Darryl has faced some of life's most difficult challenges and become one of the most positive people I know.Darryl places the reason for his positive, hopeful and cheerful attitude firmly in his relationship with his God and savior Jesus Christ.Daryl shares how as a kid he faced both dying from cancer and amputation of his leg before completing his freshman year of Highschool. He talks about fear of rejection as someone who is disabled, Especially as a young man in Highschool who hopes he...2023-11-211h 15
Who is God?The Long Easy Hard Road with Jake GriessTune in to hear Jake say repeatedly say "Next Time" when he wanted to say "No" to the call to relationship with God. When "Next time" finally became this time, it meant a journey to foreign lands and life changing events.Jake is a small town Nebraska boy who excelled in sports and academics in school but failed to find his identity. Jake pursued a double life chasing after meaning in all that life and the world had to offer.Several times Jake was invited to participate in events and trips and his inability to...2023-11-151h 11
Who is God?Tragedy into triumph and other miracles with Matt AndersonMatt Anderson shares his journey starting with not paying attention to God and moving to being angry with God to learning to live in God's acceptance and blessing. In this story you'll hear miracles. Listen as Matt shares some of the Tragedies in his life that were turned into triumphs not once, but repeatedly. In this story, you'll hear how Matt was doing it wrong again and again, yet God seemed patient, kind, and gentle. God even seems to bless Matt when Matt was more likely to curse at God. Highlights:...2023-11-0755 min
Who is God?WIG 1-0 Who is God, Prologue A little bit about the podcast.Have you ever asked if there was a god? If so, Have you ever asked who is god? I have asked these two questions and I've come to the conclusion that there is a god. I've read, heard and seen stories that convince me that there must be a god. I was intrigued enough to ask who this god is. Because, I'd like to know. That started me on a journey to collect the stories about people who have encountered god. I'm gathering first hand stories that will help me to get a better picture and maybe even an...2023-11-0321 min
Who is God?An Interview with Graham StamfordGraham Stamford is the founder of Greatest Life Ministries and of SportsReach. At the age of 80 Graham still plays soccer and is living his best life. In this episode Graham shares how as a teenager, he was looking for three things:The Best direction for his life,Truth, real truth,How he could live the best life. He was not willing to settle for second best.At the moment he knew what he was looking for, someone came into his life and showed him the answer to all three of these questions.Tune in to...2023-10-3146 min