Janet shares “When the worst tragedy of all hit us we knew that what we had believed and preached is the only thing that got us through.”

In Janet’s life she experienced many miracles, but she also lived through tragedy. Looking at God’s faithfulness in the miracles helped her see God’s goodness even when life brought the heartbreak of losing her daughter to cancer.

“The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the age of the LORD be praised.” Job 1:21 (NIV)

Sherry says “Everything I’ve gone through is all about God, if God would have wanted to take me he would have taken me a year ago.”

Sherry was diagnosed with Stage 3 Uterine Cancer and faced life-threatening complications after surgery, including an Ostomy and a prognosis of only three weeks to live. Refusing to accept a death sentence, she endured multiple surgeries and hospital stays while leaning fully on her faith. With a matter-of-fact trust in God’s Word, Sherry testifies to His presence, provision and the strength to keep waiting on Him for the next move.

“A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” Job 14:5 (NIV)

He explains “The conviction came on me. God began to point out to me that hunting enjoyed too much of a priority in my life”

Bill’s story is both relatable and inspiring, reminding us that God cares how we spend our time and what we focus on. He shares how his passion for hunting cost him dearly, and how He used frustration and disappointment to lead him to true surrender. God wants to be our passion; He wants our hearts. 

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Glen and Mary talk about the stroke recovery journey for their daughter Katie. At 32 years of age Katie experienced a ischemic stroke shortly after the birth of her 2nd child. It has been 8 years since her stoke and Katie has yet to regained any function in her left arm.

They recount funny and tender stories Katie shared from her hospital bed. The teamwork in coming alongside their son-in-law who had a newborn and a 3 year old and so many unknowns ahead of him. The technology advances that allow Katie for easier adjustments to work and home life.

They celebrate the things that the stroke was not able to take away from Katie. Her humor, communication skills and sharp memory. They are thankful for Katie's  employer who from the very beginning promised she wouldn't loose her position.

Mary shares about her own mother passing away just a month before Katie's stroke. It was an overwhelming time in their lives. Glen explains how he'd like to "advise" God on how his daughter should be healed but a belief of what God might be doing in the midst of the waiting.

He reflects “If I could do it all over again I’d make the effort to find a good friend. Someone who I could confide in when I was struggling.” 

David reflects on the frustrations and loneliness of pastoral ministry. He shares lessons he learned along the way, from his first pastorate at age 24, to planting a church and leading a home church. He shares stories of God’s goodness in times that were especially hard.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) stay grounded through powerful stories of how God provided lifelines in difficult moments.

#9 Suicide

Ray’s advice “You don’t leave anyone alone. If they’re talking strange. Be with them.”

Ray, a lively 86-year-old still teaching bowling lessons, shares the heartbreaking story of losing his son to suicide. Believing we must speak openly about this issue, he has shared in churches and schools and continues to make himself available to those who are hurting. Ray’s story is a powerful example of turning tragedy into ministry.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)

After days in the hospital Sue says “In my mind I kept thinking he was going to get up, he’s going to walk. I had so much faith to believe he was going to be made whole. God had a different plan.”

Sue recounts the heartbreaking story of her son Luke, who drowned as a toddler and survived with lifelong medical needs until his passing at age 18. Through years of therapies, hospital stays, and sleepless nights, her family held onto faith for healing. Sue tenderly shares Luke’s final moments, affirming her steadfast belief that we can trust God no matter the outcome. 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Written by Pat’s adoptive mom “Nothing will go to Pat because she’s never been a part of this family”

Pat shares memories of growing up in two orphanages, the joy of adoption, and the pain that followed when her adoptive mother turned cruel. Through many painful years of rejection and loneliness, God provided comfort, role models, and ultimately redemption. Pat’s story of forgiveness and finding Jesus at 29 ultimately led her to a life of full-time missions with her husband and three children.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18 (NIV)

Evie explains “He was an abusive man physically and mentally to both me and our son. And I had to escape him.”

Evie endured years of abuse, a painful divorce, and ongoing custody battles marked by fear, silence and isolation. Yet through it all, she witnessed God’s constant provision - safe shelter, daily needs, protection for her son and ultimately freedom in the sudden death of her abuser. Her story testifies that the joy of the Lord truly can be our strength.

“I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalms 140:12 (NIV)

***Warning: Mature content!

Bri shares, “He did confess, he did come and tell me exactly what he was planning and obviously that was one of the most painful days of my life”

Bri and William share their journey in marriage through pornography addiction, betrayal and shame. They describe how Celebrate Recovery and their church community helped them take first steps toward healing and ultimately discovered the power of the cross and God’s authority over their lives.

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

I Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)