Stories of His Glory

What happens when the things we believe will satisfy us leave us feeling empty? In this episode of Stories of His Glory, host Evan Eriksmoen sits down with Devin Hiller, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wishek, North Dakota, to hear his powerful story of brokenness, redemption, and lasting hope in Jesus Christ.

Growing up, Devin found himself searching for identity and approval through sports, relationships, and other pursuits. Despite athletic success, including a state championship in the 400 meters and a track scholarship to NDSU, he continued to struggle with depression and a deep sense of emptiness. But God was at work through the faithful friendship of an older believer, a Bible study, and the truth of the gospel. Devin eventually surrendered his life to Christ, beginning a journey that would take him from teaching and coaching in Crosby, North Dakota, to serving in Uganda and ultimately pursuing pastoral ministry in rural North Dakota.

Devin also shares an important reminder for believers: following Jesus doesn't mean life will suddenly become easy. Our hope isn't found in a trouble-free life, but in Christ, who understands our suffering and promises an eternal glory beyond it.

Topics include:

• The danger of finding our identity and worth in sports, relationships, and achievement
• Devin's struggles with depression and his journey toward hope
• How a faithful friendship and Bible study helped him understand the gospel
• The life-changing impact of surrendering to Jesus Christ
• Following Christ when it means leaving old habits and friendships behind
• God's call to ministry, missions in Uganda, and serving rural North Dakota
• Why Christians should expect suffering and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus
• Finding lasting hope, joy, peace, and contentment in Christ

Verse of the Day:

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne Jungling sits down with FCA Area Representative and UND football chaplain Tate Tobiason to talk about the unexpected journey God used to lead him into ministry.

Tate grew up dreaming about football and eventually discovered a passion for strength and conditioning that led him to the University of Nebraska. But while pursuing a career in collegiate strength coaching, God began opening and closing doors that would ultimately lead Tate somewhere he never expected: FCA.

From being rejected by the Nebraska drumline to working in college athletics, from making just $12 an hour to wrestling with whether to pursue opportunities elsewhere, Tate shares how God used people, mentors, closed doors, and seemingly ordinary circumstances to redirect his plans.

Tate also shares what ministry looks like at the University of North Dakota—from weekly FCA huddles and one-on-one discipleship to serving as the football chaplain and simply being present with athletes. His story is a powerful reminder that discipleship isn't necessarily about reaching everyone. Sometimes it's about investing deeply in a few people and trusting God to multiply the impact.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Growing up with a passion for Nebraska football
• Discovering strength and conditioning
• The competitive side of drumline, powerlifting and pole vault
• Finding his calling in strength and conditioning
• How God used mentors like Tate's father and Coach Ron Brown
• The unexpected connection that brought Tate into FCA
• Wrestling with God's direction and career opportunities
• Learning to trust God when doors close
• Tate's journey into support raising
• The importance of spiritual mentors
• Ministry of presence
• Serving as the UND football chaplain
• Connecting athletes to the local church
• Why FCA is a conduit to the church rather than a replacement for it
• God's ability to use our passions and experiences for His purposes
• What it means to surrender our plans to God's plans

Verse of the Day:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Mike Fagerland shares his journey from being a standout multi-sport athlete at Shiloh Christian to struggling to find his role in college baseball.

Mike talks about redshirting, disappointment, comparison, and learning that his identity couldn't be found in his performance.

But through those experiences, God began teaching him something much bigger: it's not about being the best player—it's about becoming the man God has called you to be.

Now, Mike is entering a new season with a desire to lead, serve younger teammates, grow spiritually, and help others find their identity in Christ.

In this episode Micheal talks about:

• Finding your identity beyond sports
• The pressure of being “the guy”
• Learning from disappointment
• Trusting God when things don't go according to plan
• Why comparison can be so destructive
• Working hard while surrendering the outcome
• Finding peace in your God-given role
• Becoming a servant leader
• Spiritual consistency
• Building Christian friendships and accountability
• The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives
• Using sports as a platform to glorify God

Verse of the Day:

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” - Colossians 3:23

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Shelley Pearson's story is one of God's incredible faithfulness.

Growing up without a relationship with her father, Shelley spent years trying to earn the love she longed for. But everything changed when she encountered the truth of the Gospel—that God's love isn't something we earn, it's a gift freely given.

In this episode, Shelley shares how God transformed childhood pain into a passion for the nations, leading her from a teenager's first mission trip to serving as FCA's Northland Regional Director of International Advancement. Along the way, you'll hear remarkable stories of canceled flights, lost luggage, unexpected tragedies, miraculous provision, and how God continually proves that His plans are better than ours.

Whether you're wondering how God uses difficult seasons, curious about sports ministry around the world, or simply need a reminder that God never wastes our story, this conversation will encourage you to trust Him even when life doesn't unfold according to plan.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How Hebrews 13:5 changed Shelley's life after years of feeling abandoned.
• Why sports create opportunities for the Gospel across the globe.
• Incredible stories of God working through travel disasters and unexpected setbacks.
• How tragedy in Zambia became a testimony of God's faithfulness.
• Why obedience matters more than having everything figured out.
• How every believer can participate in reaching the nations through prayer, generosity, and going.

Verse of the Day:

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with Troy Solhjem, FCA area representative for southeast North Dakota — farmer, rancher, Army National Guard veteran, powered paraglider pilot, and one of the most interesting people you'll ever meet.

Troy shares his journey from a childhood on a remote North Dakota farm, raised in a solid Christian home yet mistaking moral living for genuine faith. He opens up about years of drifting through college without direction, how the Army gave him discipline and purpose, and the surprising detour through a European dairy farm that led him back to the family operation.

The conversation turns to the moment everything changed: how God used the birth of his first daughter — and the unlikely ministry of AM Christian radio, heard through the open windows of a dusty tractor cab — to open his ears to the gospel for the first time.

Troy then shares the hardest chapter of his story: the loss of his young son in an accident in 2015. With remarkable honesty, he describes the Abraham-like moment of surrender at the scene, his daughter quoting Scripture through tears, and how God turned unimaginable grief into a ministry to bereaved parents through While We're Waiting.

Finally, Troy recounts the astonishing chain of confirmations — including a divine connection he never saw coming — that led him onto FCA staff, and reflects on the providence of God in suffering: that the Lord doesn't just carry us through trials, He produces something eternal in us through them.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Why Troy's lifelong dream of flying led him to strap a propeller to his back.
• The difference between living a good moral life and truly knowing Jesus.
• How AM Christian radio was used by God to save both Troy and his wife.
• The story of Jeremiah, and the moment of surrender that shaped everything after.
• Why the church often struggles to walk with grieving parents — and what helps.
• How the While We're Waiting ministry brings hope to bereaved families.
• The two extraordinary confirmations that led Troy onto FCA staff.
• Why trusting God's providence transforms how we see our deepest trials.

Verse of the Day:

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples." — Psalm 96:3

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with basketball coach and North Dakota Army National Guard officer Jacob Sommerfeld.

Jacob shares how sports first captured his heart, the lessons he learned as a role player on successful basketball teams, and how those experiences laid the foundation for a life of servant leadership. From the basketball court to military service, Jacob reflects on the importance of culture, teamwork, and embracing your role, even when you're not in the spotlight.

The conversation turns deeply personal as Jacob shares how a coach's Bible study transformed his understanding of Jesus from someone he merely admired to the true Lord of his life. He opens up about conviction, discipleship, accountability, and the ongoing process of sanctification.

Jacob also discusses a pivotal season when God closed the door on his plans to become a teacher, ultimately leading him into military leadership and back into coaching in ways he never expected. Through every twist and turn, God was teaching him to trust the process and surrender control.

Finally, Jacob shares his excitement about an upcoming FCA basketball mission trip to Madagascar and his passion for helping athletes glorify God through sports.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How sports taught Jacob teamwork, culture, and servant leadership.
• The impact of a coach who invested in him spiritually.
• The difference between following Jesus and simply knowing about Jesus.
• Lessons learned through failure, disappointment, and God's redirection.
• Why the people around us matter in our walk with Christ.
• How coaching can be a powerful platform for discipleship.
• The vision behind FCA's growing international ministry efforts in Madagascar.
• Why Jacob's coaching philosophy centers on one simple goal: Glorify God and have fun doing it.

Verse of the Day:

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Today's episode features former All-American NDSU Linebacker, Logan Kopp. Originally a native of St. Louis, Missouri, Logan discusses how he ended up at NDSU and how the impact of the people that God placed in his life during his first few years in Fargo helped shape his spiritual maturity and walk with Jesus Christ.

In this episode Ryne and Logan discuss:

• How growing up the youngest of 3 siblings drove his competitive spirit
• The process of ending up at NDSU and the challenge of being far from home
• The temptations and struggles that he faced in high school and college
• The people God placed in Logan's life to that helped him see the true meaning of the Gospel
• How Logan transitioned into a spiritual leader on campus
• The decision Logan had to make after college.
• How he had the opportunity to share the Gospel at his post National Championship press conference
• How true joy only comes from a relationship with Jesus

If you are interested in seeing Logan's post game interview mentioned in this episode, please feel free to click the link below:

Logans Post National Championship Game Interview

Verse of the Day:

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:4-7

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne Jungling sits down with former North Dakota State Bison football standout and current Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Jalen Sundell to talk about championships, identity, faith, and discovering that Jesus is greater than even the biggest stage in sports.

Jalen shares his journey from growing up playing sports in Missouri, to winning championships at NDSU, to the unlikely road that led him to the NFL and ultimately to a Super Bowl title. But behind the success was a deep struggle of chasing fulfillment through football while feeling spiritually empty.

During the uncertainty of COVID and the loss of football, God used a simple Bible study in Romans to completely transform Jalen’s life. In this powerful conversation, Jalen opens up about surrendering his idols, learning true contentment in Christ, and why his response after winning the Super Bowl was simply:

“Jesus is better.”

This episode is a reminder that no accomplishment, trophy, or platform can satisfy the human heart the way Christ can.

In This Episode:

• Growing up in a championship culture
• Starting a high school bass fishing team
• The pressure and identity tied to sports
• How COVID became a turning point in his relationship with Christ
• The Bible study that changed everything
• Learning contentment apart from football
• The unlikely road from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion
• Faith in the NFL and leading other believers
• Why “Jesus is better” means more after achieving the ultimate dream

Verse of the Day:

"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" - Philippians 3:7-8

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with Central Cass softball coach Scott Kost to talk about faith, leadership, and building something that lasts far beyond wins and losses.

Scott shares his journey from growing up around church to truly following Jesus in his early 20s, and how that decision became the foundation for everything in his life, from his family to his coaching career.

What started as a simple volunteer opportunity turned into a 26-year coaching journey marked by championship success, but more importantly, a commitment to developing people, not just players.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why the most important decision Scott ever made wasn’t about career or coaching—but following Jesus
• How coaches can intentionally build culture and teach life lessons in practice
• The role relationships play in lasting impact
• Why winning isn’t the ultimate goal—and what is
• How living out your faith can influence others without saying a word

This episode is a powerful reminder that the way you live your life may be the very thing that leads someone else to Christ.

Verse of the Day:

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, we sit down with Shiloh Christian head basketball coach, and FCA area representative, Jordan Williams to hear how God reshaped his understanding of identity, purpose, and what it truly means to live for something greater than the game.

Jordan grew up with a deep love for sports and competition, chasing success and recognition like so many athletes do. But along the way, God began to reveal that performance, wins, and achievements could never fully satisfy.

Through key relationships, moments of conviction, and a growing understanding of the gospel, Jordan began to shift from living for himself to living fully surrendered to Christ.

Now, Jordan is passionate about using his platform to impact others by pointing athletes, friends, and those around him toward a deeper relationship with Jesus.

His story is a powerful reminder that sports can be a platform, but they were never meant to be our identity.

In this episode, Jordan and Ryne cover:

• Growing up with a competitive mindset and love for sports
• Chasing identity through performance and achievement
• The people and moments God used to get Jordan’s attention
• What it looks like to move from surface-level faith to real surrender
• Learning that identity is found in Christ and not in wins or losses
• Using sports as a platform to impact others for the gospel
• The importance of relationships and accountability in faith
• Living with purpose beyond the game

Verse of the Day:

"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" - Matthew 16:26

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Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.