The Kanakuk Podcast

Does God really see us when we suffer? When hardships come, who do we turn to? For Ashley Jansen, she came to realize that, in the midst of battling cancer, God was with her all along. Today's episode has our hosts Joe White and Rachel Sparks speaking with Ashley about God's faithfulness in the midst of suffering, creating "safety talk" zones for your children, and more. We hope that today's episode is encouraging to you and also reminds you that God is always available to talk in "the listening chair".

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Leading a family well takes a lot of intentionality and dedication to keep God at the center of the home. We would love to invite you to join our hosts Joe White and Rachel Sparks as they enjoy a conversation with Adam Martin about intentional parenting. Parenting is a learning experience, not just for the kids, but for the parents as well. We hope you are encouraged by today's episode!

Some friendships go beyond fun memories and actually shape who you become. Gabby, Molly, Lizzy, Tabetha, and Becca share how meeting at Kamp sparked a sisterhood rooted in kindness, accountability, and a deep love for Jesus. Their lives now overlap far beyond summer, forming a community that pushes each of them closer to Christ. With Joe White and Rachel Sparks hosting, this episode highlights just how special Christ-centered friendships can be. May their story remind you of the strength that comes from walking with friends who love the Lord.

What does it mean when Kamp doesn’t just change the kids, but the counselors too? Paul Jackson reflects on how serving at Kamp refined his character, strengthened his faith, and taught him the kind of morals he now pours into his own children. He shares personal stories that reveal the depth of what God does through the counselor experience. With Joe White and Rachel Sparks leading the conversation, the episode paints a clear picture of discipleship, growth, and legacy. Give it a listen, and may Paul’s story encourage you to see Kamp as a place where Christ shapes entire families.

In a very special episode, Joe White and Rachel Sparks are joined by Stacy Elliot. Stacy was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and knows that her time is coming soon to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus. Considering what life will look like for your family when your time on earth comes to an end is a very sobering thought, one Stacy knows well. However, coming face to face with death is not a dark and dreary thought, but rather, one of peace. Death is just a door to come face-to-face with Jesus in glory. So, with death waiting in the wings, what do you do with your family in the time you have left? In this episode, we will have a conversation about death from the Christian perspective, how death affects family in the present, and ultimately how Jesus gives believers hope beyond the grave. We hope that you will be encouraged by today's episode.

What happens when a summer camp experience doesn’t just entertain a kid but genuinely reshapes who they’re becoming? Mark shares how Kanakuk sparked deep spiritual formation and character growth in his children, far beyond anything he expected. His perspective as a dad highlights the kind of transformation that sticks long after Kamp is over. With hosts Joe White and Rachel Sparks, the conversation brings warmth, clarity, and a clear picture of God’s work in young lives. We hope this episode encourages you and shows just how powerful a Christ-centered summer camp can be.

What makes a godly mom such a powerful force in a family’s story? Jenny McClendon joins us again to talk honestly about motherhood, faith, and the quiet sacrifices that rarely get the spotlight. She opens up about how Christ anchors the highs and lows, and why moms often carry spiritual influence they don’t even notice. With our hosts, Joe White and Rachel Sparks, the conversation stays grounded in Scripture, personal experience, and encouragement. Give it a listen, and may this episode lift your view of motherhood and the God who equips every mom.

There are moments in our lives that we may not feel prepared for, but when we look back, we see all the ways in which God has prepared us along the way. Today, Joe White and Beth Ann are honored to welcome Kanakuk Alumni, Jenny McClendon, as she tells her story of her sextuplets and how God sustained her along the way. Stay tuned for Part 2 of Jenny's story coming early December!

Leadership is not all smiles and perfect pictures. It is often messy, humbling, and imperfect. And whether you are leading a Fortune 500 company or just leading your family around the dinner table, leaders are all works in progress. Today, our hosts Joe White and Rachel Sparks are joined by Joe's two sons, Brady and Cooper White. We hope our conversation about Christ-centered servant leadership will be inspiring to you and give you something to think about for your own day-to-day life. Enjoy!

Meet Chase Rackley. If you talk with him for more than a few minutes, you'll learn a few things about him. He's a husband and father, he's a realtor and long time member of the Kanakuk family; but most of all, Chase is a follower of Jesus Christ. At Kanakuk, Chase learned more about Jesus and what it means to follow him. And the things Chase learned at Kanakuk have translated to every aspect of his life. On this episode, Joe and Chase talk about Kanakuk, parenting, discipleship, family, and a life lived for Jesus. We hope you are encouraged by today's episode!