What if a shattered childhood in secular Seattle, followed by an unwilling move to 120-degree Saudi Arabia, could forge one of the most mission-driven leaders in the Adventist Church today?

In this heartfelt episode, Shawn Boonstra sits down with General Conference Secretary Rick McEdward. From culture shock in a military compound, to a powerful call into ministry, to serving in the Middle East and now helping steer global mission, Rick’s journey reveals how God turns ordinary lives into extraordinary witnesses.

Hear inspiring stories of faithfulness, the vision for One Voice 2027, and practical ways every member can join the work of reaching eight billion people.

You won’t want to miss this encouraging conversation—tune in now and let it stir your own calling!

What if returning just 10% of what God has already given you could transform your trust in Him—and fuel a global mission? Far from a burden or ancient ritual, biblical tithing reveals a God who owns everything yet invites us to test His faithfulness. This thoughtful exploration shows how the Adventist Church’s unique solidarity-based system supports pastors, teachers, missionaries, schools, and media across continents, turning our giving into practical partnership with Jesus. Discover why tithe isn’t about buying blessings but learning daily dependence, experiencing miracles, and advancing God’s kingdom together. A fresh, encouraging look at how money and faith belong together. Listen now.

I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free;

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

The soprano’s voice soars above the swell of the orchestra, her eyes caught up to heaven. Every heart in the concert hall leans forward, drawn by an ache, a longing.

Why do such moments move us so deeply—in seasons of faith, or in our midnight struggles? Why does our hope cling more tightly to the lyrics of an old hymn than to a hundred bright and restless tunes?

Because we bear reminding—every day—that the God who flung the stars in their courses still sees us; still chooses to see us—in all our tired, ordinary uniqueness. In heaven’s chosen language, there is no “same as that” or “same as them.” Even our unvoiced whispers are heard, fully understood, gently answered.

This is the grace that watches over us, that’s never weary, never indifferent. Jesus made it very clear: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?” (Matt 6:26).

Grace sees our tears, knows our stress, and comforts our distresses. And grace gives us a song that carries us through every hour to come.

Hope is your sign of grace.

So stay in it. -Bill Knott

What if your faith story feels too ordinary for God to use?

In this raw, unfiltered episode of unScripted, Shawn Boonstra sits down with assistant editor Hannah Drewieck to talk about staying connected to your world church — and why the quiet, everyday faith might actually be the most powerful kind.

Hannah shares her surprising journey from Hope Channel International to Adventist Review, how she shepherds powerful “experiences” stories (heritage, mission, testimonies), and the devotional that stopped the whole team in their tracks: Daniel’s secret to lion’s den courage wasn’t one big miracle — it was something he did three times every day.

Plus:

→ AdventistReview.org/connect

Timestamps:

Raw. Real. Off the record. This is unScripted.

It seems, at first, a profoundly foolish question: “Do you want to be healed?”

Jesus once asked it of a paralyzed man who for 38 years had lingered beside a legendary pool.

The answer feels self-evident: who wouldn’t instantly reach out for healing, for wholeness, for a mended body and the restoration of fractured relationships?

But Jesus knows how tenderly we caress our wounds; how suffering weaves itself into our core; how grief and bitterness pulse with dark, compelling energy. So He lingers before He heals, honoring the sacred freedom He gave to every soul: “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6). “Do you want to live beyond your pain? Do you want to live without rehearsing narratives of those who injured you, or why your bitterness is justified?”

It was not an easy question then; it never is an easy question now. Yet Jesus asks again, for His grace is neither hurried nor forced. Will we be remade, renewed, restored? Or will we settle again onto familiar broken ground, grimly content to recount the ancient wounds that now define us?

Grace passes by your mat today. The question stirs your waiting place, echoing around your pool.

Take the hand that reaches for you. Respond with faith—yes, even trembling faith—and grace will lift you to your feet.

Then stay in it. -Bill Knott

What if God’s radical love turns messy, broken lives into cherished members of His family?

In this engaging episode, Shawn Boonstra and Siku Dako explore the powerful April issue of Adventist Review, centered on the theme of adoption. Discover how one family’s real-life adoption story reveals breathtaking truths about God’s costly, inconvenient love for us—while we were still sinners.

They also unpack President Erton Kohler’s timely call for right motives and Christlike methods (especially online), plus a vivid retelling of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet that challenges pride and invites humility.

Rich in theology, testimony, and practical faith—this conversation will stir your heart. Don’t miss it—tune in now and let adoption reshape how you see yourself and God!

What if your faithful tithes and offerings are quietly fueling a massive global push to finish God's work? In this special edition of Unscripted, recorded live from Spring Meeting at the General Conference, Shawn Boonstra and Justin Kim break down the latest financial reports with surprising transparency and hope. Discover how the church is staying fiscally responsible amid global uncertainty, exceeding goals for One Voice 2027—the bold initiative marking 2,000 years since Jesus’ baptism—and redirecting every extra dollar straight into mission.

You’ll feel encouraged by stories of stewardship, clean audits, and leaders challenging each other to do even more. Don’t miss this uplifting 28-minute deep dive—tune in now and see how your giving is making a worldwide difference!

So you don’t have perfect faith. There are moments—even hours or days—when trusting God’s continued goodness seems beyond your reach. You wonder if the effort of this life of trust is wise—or yields anything.

Join the crowd—the great, blood-washed crowd of those who say they follow Jesus. Unlike the spiritually intimidating stories we often tell each other, there are no sturdy souls who never know a moment’s doubt—who always sing the sun up in the morning and bless the coolness of the night. We invent such myths in hope that we might yet grow into them, more righteous than our peers.

But real life has real tests—when our money, strength, or patience come up short; when secretly we envy the ultra-rich, the ultra-smooth; the carefree media influencer. With the psalmist we complain: “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence” (Psa 73:13).

The same gracious Word that voices our human frustration also gives us words to say to our Creator when faith is thin or weak: “Yet I still belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny” (Psa 73:23-24). Grace plucked us from our foolishness: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6).

Trust the Lord who called you on to life eternal. And stay in grace.

-Bill Knott

What if the way you handle money revealed the true condition of your heart and faith? This insightful article lays out 10 powerful, timeless biblical principles that transform how Seventh-day Adventists view finances—from recognizing God as the true Owner of everything, to living as faithful stewards who multiply resources for His mission. Discover why tithing is only the starting point, how to avoid losing the Lord’s capital, and why generous, responsible management trains us for eternity. Far more than a budget guide, this is a spiritual barometer that shows whether our treasure—and our hearts—are fully aligned with Jesus. Practical, challenging, and deeply encouraging. Listen now.

What if one courageous woman, stepping off a ship in 1895 with nothing but faith and a trunk, could spark an entire mission movement across India? Georgia Burrus arrived alone in Calcutta—no station, no salary, no guarantees—yet quietly entered zenanas, taught Bible stories, and opened hearts. From her humble school came India’s first Adventist converts: a suffering widow and a brave child widow who chose Christ over family and fortune. Their transformed lives ignited a flame that spread through schools, orphanages, and villages. Discover how one woman’s obedience opened the door for millions—and why her story still calls us to bold mission today. Listen now.