The Unfolding

Content Warning – not appropriate for children. Bruce Van Natta's childhood was filled with abuse and trauma, but he had one encounter with Jesus that marked him . He knew God was real . What he didn't understand is why God didn't rescue him. As he got older, he clearly heard God call him into ministry, but he was angry, skeptical, and cynical. As a diesel mechanic, Bruce regularly worked on big rigs . On a fateful day in 2006, he was lying under a logging truck that weighed 18,000 pounds . What happened on that day can only be described as other-worldly ; an accident, a near-death experience, and an encounter with the supernatural. This is a graphic story that is not appropriate for younger listeners. Bruce Van Natta is the author of Saved by Angels and the founder of Sweet Bread Ministries. Website: https://sweetbreadministries.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetBreadMinistries Book: https://www.amazon.com/Saved-Angels-Expanded-Everyday-People/dp/076844134X

Tara Sierra Mosely didn't feel equipped when she was asked to pray for a dying woman in a remote village in Uganda. But she said yes, and God used that simple act of obedience as part of a much bigger story of salvation and new life. Tara's new book is House of the Forest: Life-Giving Declarations for Strength and Abundance in Every Season .

At seven years old, Lauren Burns was taken by her father from Texas to the Middle East , and her mom had no idea where she was . When the United S tates government couldn't help, Lauren's mother- supported by private investigators Rick and Beverly Lambert, parents of country artist Miranda Lambert- turned to a team of former military operatives for an extraordinary international rescue. The rescue made international headlines . But coming home was only the beginning. Lauren still faced childhood trauma, father wounds and a difficult question : She knew God was real, but was He good? Lauren Burns is the author of Stolen: A True Story of Kidnapping, Rescue, and Redemption , a powerful true crime memoir. Her story later inspir ed a television movie. Today, Lauren is a speaker on trauma, redemption, and faith, and the host of The Redeemed Podcast Learn more at laurenburns.net. This episode discusses childhood abduction and trauma and may not be appropriate for young listeners. Show Notes: Website: https://www.laurenburns.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenburnsredeemed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBurnsAuthor Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT9VMK3Z?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Before Roland Warren became CEO of Care Net, one of the largest networks of crisis pregnancy centers in North America, he was just a scared 20-year-old college student facing an unplanned pregnancy with his girlfriend. The pressure to choose abortion was intense. But they made a different choice. And that one decision changed everything. Roland's story is a powerful reminder that when we follow God's way, something good always comes from it. He has a new book you can check out, called "The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life" .

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, two remarkable World Trade Center survivors tell the story of the day they met as strangers and walked out as brothers. Brian Clark and Stanley Praimnath were both inside the South Tower on September 11, 2001. Stanley was on the 81st floor when United Airlines Flight 175 came directly toward him. Brian was on the 84th floor when the tower was hit. In the chaos that followed, Brian heard Stanley calling for help and made a decision that would change both of their lives forever. Only 18 people survived from the impact zone or above in the South Tower. Brian and Stanley were two of them. In this special 9/11 25th anniversary episode of The Unfolding, they share what they saw, how they escaped, the extraordinary moments they still cannot fully explain, and how 9/11 transformed their understanding of faith and God's presence in the darkest moments. Their story is more than a remarkable account of survival. It is the story of two men who entered the World Trade Center as strangers and came out as brothers.

Joshua Broome spent years trying to outrun rejection and prove he was worthy of love, but success in the pornography industry only left him more broken and ashamed. Then Jesus met him in the middle of his mess, and today Joshua is a husband, a father of four, and a son who found the freedom to forgive his own dad. In his latest book, 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life , Joshua exposes the empty promises that once shaped his life and points others toward the redemption he found in Jesus.

It was a story that made national headlines. In April of 2019, a five-year-old boy was thrown from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America by a stranger. Landen Hoffman's injuries were catastrophic, and his survival was uncertain. But his mother, Kari, responded with unshakable faith. Drawing on what she'd learned growing up in church, Kari immediately turned to prayer, refusing to give in to fear or hatred . Landen spent four months in the hospital, facing multiple surgeries, serious complications, and long, painful nights. There were setbacks that baffled even his doctors. Yet Kari never stopped believing for complete healing. Kari Hoffman is sharing their story through her book, Miracle at the Mall. This is the incredible account of a mother's fierce faith, a miraculous recovery, and a God who still moves mountains . Show notes: Miracle at the Mall Book: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mall-Hoffmann-Survived-39-Foot-High/dp/B0DZBX3XNK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari_hoffmann_5/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kari.hoffmann.52

When Jacob Coyne saw his father transformed by Jesus, he wanted that same hope for himself. That decision began a chain reaction that would bring hope to others facing some of their darkest moments. Jacob's book, The Secret Life of Christians

We'd love to hear what God has done in your life. Share your story. After experiencing sexual abuse, the death of her father, a move from New York to Puerto Rico, and years of bullying and rejection, Christine D'Clario was angry with God. She blamed Him for her pain and wanted nothing to do with Him. But that wasn't the end of her story. In this episode from The Unfolding archives, Christine shares honestly about the encounter with Jesus that changed her life, as well as her later battle with postpartum depression and thoughts of suicide. Today, she is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and worship leader whose music reaches millions around the world—and she uses her story to offer hope to others facing depression and mental-health challenges. Content note: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse, postpartum depres sion , and suicidal ideation. Show Notes: Website: https://christinedclario.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinedclariomusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinedclario/

After four years of infertility, Debbie Simmons was shocked and ecstatic to learn she was expecting four babies. But when complications came much too early, she lost all four of her sons. As Debbie walked through unimaginable grief, God gave her enough light for each next step. Exactly seven years later, five children entered her home through adoption, turning April 1 into a day of God's faithfulness and redemption.

How can knowing your God-given identity change the way you respond to fear, conflict, and uncertainty? As a young police officer i n Washington, D.C., Jamie Winship quickly realized that his training alone couldn't prepare him for the situations he faced. He began learning how to hear God's voice and trust His direction, even when it led to unconventional and seemingly impossible solutions. That journey eventually took Jamie from confronting gang violence in Washington to serving in some of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world, including the Middle East. In this remarkable conversation from The Unfolding archives, Jamie shares gripping stories about following God into dangerous places, becoming a peacemaker, overcoming fear, and discovering the freedom that comes from knowing your true identity in Christ. Jamie Winship is the author of Living Fearless and The War of Worldviews, and co-founder of Identity Exchange with his wife, Donna. Learn more at IdentityExchange.com. Show Notes: Website: https://www.identityexchange.com/ Antioch Church Camp session 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-discovering-your-unique-identity-unlocking/id1845880674?i=1000741926271 Antioch Church Camp session 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-challenges-triumphs-and-profound/id1845880674?i=1000741926337 Antioch Church Camp session 3: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-the-transformative-power-of/id1845880674?i=1000741926767 Antioch Church Camp session 4: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-actively-engaging-with-god-prayer-trust/id1845880674?i=1000741926768 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejamiewinship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejamiewinship/

Doctors kept giving Sierra Emison more reasons to worry about her unborn daughter, but she kept feeling like God was telling her to trust Him. Through prayer, people around her, and even the words "miracle child," Sierra felt encouraged again and again . Today, McKenna is 21 months old, growing, thriving, and still surprising doctors.

Justin and Trisha Davis appeared to be living the dream- a beautiful family, successful ministry, and a future filled with promise. After planting their first church, Justin had an affair with a staff member who was also Trisha's best friend. Their marriage, family and careers were simultaneously blown apart, and they were forced to come to terms with their brokenness . It seemed their story would be one of failure and loss, but Justin and Trisha found grace, healing and redemption for even the most shattered parts of their lives . Justin and Trisha are the founders of RefineUs.org and the authors of One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back. Show Notes: Website: https://www.refineus.org/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/best-sellers-books-Amazon/zgbs/books/7259415011/ref=zg_bs_pg_2_books?_encoding=UTF8&pg=2

Jessica Ronne was caring for her son Lucas, who has profound disabilities, while trying to meet a book deadline and lead a nonprofit. She felt frustrated that caregiving kept interrupting what she believed was her important work. Then God showed her that caring for Lucas was holy work. Years later, that quiet faithfulness grew into a home where Lucas and three other adults with disabilities can thrive. Learn more about Jessica Ronne and find encouragement and resources for caregivers at jessronne.com

Scott Spiezio knew God. During some of the best years of his Major League Baseball career, he was surrounded by believers and openly sharing his faith. But after reaching the height of success, Scott moved away from what had kept him grounded. As addiction took hold, shame told him he was too far gone, while the mindset that made him a champion convinced him he could save himself. He couldn't . What changed everything was surrender. Now Scott is sharing his story through his new book, The Hardest Comeback , and Spiezio , a documentary about his life. He hopes they will reach people who need to know that addiction does not have to be the end of their story. Scott played 12 seasons in the major leagues, winning World Series championships with the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. Cardinals fans may remember the soul patch he dyed bright red during the 2006 championship run. But behind the success, addiction was taking hold. After 11 trips to rehab, Scott entered the hospital with a failing liver and only a 20-percent chance of survival. Scott first shared his story with The Unfolding in 2023. Now, eight years sober, he returns with an update about restored relationships, people finding hope through his story, and how God is using the most painful parts of his past. Show Notes: Website: https://www.scottspiezio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiezios/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.spiezio.96 Movie Website: https://spiezio.info/

Jaron Lockridge spent years quietly struggling with pornography while wrestling with doubts about God. Then an unexpected sermon from Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell led to the most sincere prayer Jaron had ever prayed, and by the next morning, everything had changed. Now free from that addiction, Jaron is using his gifts as a filmmaker to tell honest stories about faith, struggle, and community. His new series, House for the Broken, is available on Amazon.

What happens when you finally get the success you wanted and realize it still is not enough? For Donovan Donnell, the stage had always been a place where he felt seen. But after years of disappointment and rejection, his desire for attention and approval led him into the world of exotic dancing. He found money, recognition, and success, but none of it could give him the life he really wanted. Donovan never completely walked away from faith. He still went to church and Bible study. But eventually, God asked him to walk away from the life he had built and trust Him with what came next. This is Donovan's story of losing himself, surrendering to God, and discovering who he had been created to be. He also shares the message behind Designed to Succeed , his new book with Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix, about pursuing success without losing your faith, your purpose, or your identity. Show Notes: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1f7NOZ-Qk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovandeedonnell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donovandee.donnell.50 Website: https://www.donovandeedonnell.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370124?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback#

"This makes you way more real to us." That's what Amber Albee Swenson's kids told her after she finally opened up about her past. She had spent years teaching the Bible and leading her family in faith, but still carried silent shame that was creating distance. One conversation changed everything. Vulnerability became the key to deeper trust, healing, and faith. Amber's latest book is called "The Key to Confidence ".

Have you ever wondered if your past has already determined your future? The circumstances of your childhood, painful family relationships, mistakes you've made, or words someone spoke over you can leave you wondering whether your future has already been decided. Jonathan Almonte knows that feeling. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Jonathan experienced extreme poverty, family brokenness, and rejection from his father. As a little boy, he dreamed of becoming a gang member because it was the only future he could imagine. Then everything began to change. Jonathan shares how a local church, a Compassion sponsor who faithfully wrote letters year after year, and the love of Jesus transformed his life. He found hope where there had been despair and the ability to forgive the father who once told him he was "a mistake." This episode is a reminder that your past does not have the final word. God is still writing stories of redemption. Show Notes: Website: https://compassion.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassion/ X: https://x.com/compassion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionintl/

After a chaotic childhood, Doug Hannah came to Christ at 15 and finally understood that he was deeply loved, but years later, he realized he had turned faith into something he had to perform. This is the story of discovering grace... twice... and learning to rest in a love he never had to earn.