We invite you into a very honest and important conversation about sexuality, identity, and faith. We were grateful to have our friend Sam Brown join us in the studio.

Sam shares openly about his experience with same-sex attraction and how the Lord has been at work in his life through it. He explains that these feelings were present for as long as he can remember and not the result of trauma, but a part of his personal story. As he grew through childhood and into middle school, the internal tension became more pronounced, especially as he deeply desired to follow Jesus but struggled to understand how his identity fit within that calling.

During this season, Pastor Trevor Schalow began to walk closely with Sam, discipling and pastoring him through a pivotal and formative relationship, even after Sam had come out. What followed were several difficult years of wrestling, growth, and tension as Sam found himself moving between two different paths.

In February 2020, everything began to shift in a profound way.

This conversation is difficult to fully capture in a summary, so we encourage you to listen with an open heart and mind. You’ll hear a story marked by honesty, struggle, grace, and ultimately surrender. We are grateful for Sam’s vulnerability and believe his journey will encourage you to think deeply about identity, extend grace to others, and be reminded of our shared need for Jesus.

Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry

Single, Gay, Christian by Gregory Coles 

Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill 

Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? by Preston Sprinkle 

CHANGED Movement

Rainbow Revival 

Want to connect with Sam? Email Sarah Schalow at [email protected] to get started. 

Brenda Crum joined us in the studio to share about the peace that God has brought continuously in her life. Brenda was born and raised in Arizona. In fact, her family has lived and worked in this state for generations. Brenda came to know the Lord as a young girl at the kitchen table with her mom. She was an only child and had a close relationship with both her mom and her dad. Brenda feels that the Lord began strengthening her faith even at a young age starting at age 12, when she became very ill and ended up being isolated for over a year because of it. There was also a time that a near plane crash helped her to know that she would meet Jesus face-to-face whether it was in that moment or later in her life. A major part of God growing Brenda's faith was through her mom being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. One incredible aspect of this diagnosis is that Brenda had been having dreams that were warning her that something might happen to one of her parents (you'll hear more about that when you listen). The news of the brain tumor was devastating but her mom's faith was contagious, and it only helped Brenda's trust in the Lord to grow. God was gracious and gave their family more time than expected with her mom. What Brenda learned through these trials and other experiences was that God is truly right there. He's so close. He brings a peace that goes beyond understanding. A peace that covers all situations. Knowing this has given Brenda a passion to minister to and encourage people, especially those who are in the process of losing someone to death. Brenda does not fear death because of the peace that she has. A peace that could only come from Jesus. Your heart will be uplifted through this conversation!

For information on Evangelism Training at DSCC email Pastor Shawn at [email protected]

For information on Missions at DSCC email Pastor Jamie at [email protected]

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If you regularly attend Desert Springs, you are probably familiar with today's guest! Daniel Calderón joined us in the studio to share about what God has done in his life up until this point. Daniel has been married to his wife Brianne for almost seven years and serves as our Middle School and Young Adults Pastor. We are blessed to have the Calderóns as a part of our church family and staff! Daniel moved around a lot as a child attending eight different schools as his father was serving in the U.S. Navy. His family would attend churches along the way though it was tough to have a consistent church community due to the moves. Daniel came to understand who Jesus was when he was eight years old and got baptized by his granddad. He describes his understanding as having a head knowledge of Jesus but not making the choice to connect the reality of Christ to his heart. As he grew up, he found himself living as two different people between school and church, describing it as having one foot in and one foot out. Jesus was compartmentalized. It wasn't until his junior year of high school that he began to learn about Jesus in a different way through studying apologetics. Daniel realized that following Jesus was a decision to be made and wasn't something that would just happen along the way. His mind connected to his heart, and he willed to follow Jesus. This choice has certainly changed the trajectory of his life. You'll hear about how he and Brianne met and married, his pursuit of a career in education and how the Lord has brought him to where he is now serving at Desert Springs, all because of the decision to intentionally choose to follow Jesus. 

Daniel's sermon from September 2022 - https://dscchurch.nucleus.church/media/stories-of-faith-shardrach-meshach-abednego

Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness - https://www.amazon.com/dp/076422560X?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_CQN57RTZN16YCM6QH6DB

Resident Strangers podcast - https://www.dscchurch.com/resident-strangers

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God’s faithfulness!

It was a blessing to have Caryn Doerksen join us in the studio to share her story! This episode is coming out just a few days before Caryn's birthday (Sept. 30th) so make sure if you see her, you say Happy Birthday!  🎉🎉🎉 We are so thankful to have the whole Doerksen family a part of our church. Caryn was raised on the mission field with some of her earliest memories being in the Philippines and England. Her parents worked (and still work!) as pastors and missionaries all over the U.S. and world. Caryn recounts what it was like growing up as a third culture kid and how she caught onto living a life of service to the Lord even as a young girl. We also talked through practical ways to help support kids growing up on the mission field as it is a very unique experience. When Caryn was in high school, she began to wonder what the Lord had for her. It became stressful as she was trying to determine if she herself would become a missionary or if she should pursue nursing school. A trusted mentor encouraged her to move forward in the Lord and expect great things. This simple statement helped Caryn to think through her decision and also made her realize that ministry happens all the time - not just on the mission field. She walks us through how the Lord has worked in her and used her in the years since then. The conversation wraps up with Caryn sharing about a recent experience in Indonesia that reminded her just how big and worthy of worship our God is. You'll gain a new perspective as you hear about growing up on the mission field and you'll also be encouraged to know that God can and will use you wherever it is that He has you. This was such a sweet conversation, and we look forward to you listening!

Third Culture Kids: Growing up among worlds by David C. Pollock, Ruth E. Van Reken & Michael V. Pollock - https://www.amazon.com/Third-Culture-Kids-3rd-Growing/dp/1473657660/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P6JNXO2QD2CP&keywords=third+culture+kid+david&qid=1695668940&sprefix=third+culture+kids+david%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1

Worthy of It All - The Worship Initiative feat. Shane & Shane:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ0bV2t3tUw

Resident Strangers Podcast: https://www.dscchurch.com/resident-strangers

Questions about Missions at DSCC? Email Pastor Jamie at [email protected]

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God’s faithfulness!

Larissa Holland joined us in the studio, and we are so thankful that she did! Larissa and her family are such a meaningful part of ministry here at Desert Springs. Those of you from military families will relate with Larissa as she feels she doesn't have a "from" due to moving around so much as a child. Her parents became Christians when she was a young girl and shortly after that she herself came to know the Lord at age seven. It took five years for her to be in an environment that she could be discipled but once she was, she thrived and grew so much. It was then that she began to learn the importance and necessity of authentic Christian community. Eventually Larissa settled in Virginia where she met her husband Rich (yes, the co-host of the Resident Strangers podcast 😉) while they were both volunteering at a church event. The way they met and quickly fell in love is like a movie! God so clearly wanted them together. Larissa fast forwards in her story to when she and Rich had been married for 10 years. This was a difficult time in their marriage for many reasons and Larissa was feeling incredibly stuck and, in some ways, blinded by anger. She called a trusted friend for advice and counsel after a particularly rough morning and what came from that conversation changed the entire trajectory of their marriage and family. Larissa explains that had she not be in authentic community with this woman there would not have even been opportunity for this conversation. This is an interview you'll want to intently listen to and take hold of as community in Christ is absolutely necessary. We were not created to live this life alone and God's design for community is heavily communicated in Larissa's story. We really appreciate her willingness to share with us! Don't miss this message!

Resident Strangers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DTNZOJsGBG2C86w646xdA?si=aed43f254ce74c33

*available wherever you listen to podcasts

Rich Holland's Stories Collective interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4O9jSmbkZgC9taWVeRiqxS?si=2129e5a6fdca496b

When the Church Was a Family by Joseph H. Hellerman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805447792?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_KFEHP6B4XX6E6J4DKJCD

Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Open-Door-Invitation-Generation/dp/1433643073/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XP0TTS3SV3PH&keywords=just+open+the+door+jen+schmidt&qid=1695151342&sprefix=just+open+the+door%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God’s faithfulness!

A longtime friend of Desert Springs Warren Potter joined us in the studio to share his life story with us. There is an ease to this conversation that we really loved. Warren spent his early childhood in New York City but as he approached later elementary school, they moved to the countryside of Connecticut. He met his wife Kathy in high school on a double date that they were both on, though they weren't on the date with each other - that's a great story you'll have to listen in to hear. They married two years after high school shortly after Warren committed to serving in the Navy. Warren describes he and Kathy as being equally yoked in the sense that they both were not Christians but did have a sense of moral values. There had been instances here and there where both Warren and Kathy had heard about Jesus, but it wasn't until Warren had an intentional co-worker that he really came to know and understand the Gospel. Talk about living on mission! This changed their family forever. You'll hear about how Kathy also came to know the Lord and their journey as Christians who came to know Jesus as adults. Within that there was a process of moving from the head knowledge to the deeper understanding in the heart. We really appreciate Warren sharing his life's journey with us. Towards the end of the conversation Warren opens up about his surrender of fear and anxiety. It was something that plagued him for years and it wasn't until later in his life after he had retired that he came to a place that he felt he could truly release these struggles to God. His vulnerability is something we're grateful for! 

Northwest Christian Counseling: https://www.nwchristiancounseling.com

Fall 2023 Wednesday Morning Men's Bible Study: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1882714

Sunday Morning Bible Study Classes: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/995142

October 2023 Men's Summit: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1780506

Care + Support Ministries at Desert Springs: https://www.dscchurch.com/care-support

Resident Strangers podcast: https://www.dscchurch.com/resident-strangers

Greg Huggins' Stories Collective interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RjQ36JbLrY3o4o5EqbM4W?si=5006c93ffe7748d1

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God’s faithfulness!

It's Wednesday again and we're so glad that you're here! It was a blessing to be joined by Sam Washington in the studio. We feel like today's conversation is a perfect way to wrap up the summer. Sam touches on a lot of things that have been covered in stories this summer and also gives us some challenging things to think about as we head into the fall. Sam has an incredible heart and passion for serving the Lord and His people but that wasn't always his story. Sam was raised in a small town in Washington state. His parents had somewhat of a Catholic background and his mom would take them to church as children. As Sam grew older, he felt like being a part of a church wasn't really his thing, but he still felt like he had a set of values he wanted to live by. After high school he was really into the motor sports world and would spend his weekends snowmobiling and partying with friends. This eventually started to feel pointless, and Sam was left wondering if there was more to life. On 4th of July weekend one summer, he reconnected with an old high school acquaintance named Trisha. Trisha asked Sam an important question - who is Jesus to you? This changed everything for Sam; he understood the Gospel and what it meant for his life. Sam and Trisha married the following summer and began life together flipping houses and working in management at Costco. However, this isn't where their story ends. God had so much ahead for Sam and Trisha. Through being connected at a church community in Texas they began to learn what it looks like to truly live for God each day. Not just checking boxes or being comfortable lukewarm but being in a thriving relationship with God and His people. The moment of salvation is incredibly transformative, but the Christian life doesn't stop there. That is only the beginning. Sam's story will certainly challenge you so get ready! 

D|S 101 - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1875869

October Men's Summit - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1780506

Men's Saturday Morning Fellowship - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1920118

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God’s faithfulness!

Today's interview on The Stories Collective will show just how willing our God is to show up for His people. It was a blessing to talk with Heather Van Sant and we're excited to share this conversation with you.

⚠️ Before you listen, we do want to give you a trigger warning for this episode. Intense medical issues, procedures and struggles, some involving pregnancy, are discussed throughout this conversation. ⚠️

Heather grew up as a pastor's kid living in Arizona. An interest in working in the medical field led her to attend Northern Arizona University as a young adult. It was there that Heather first began to experience some intense medical issues, including a cancer scare at 19 years old. Heather and Mark married in 1998 and you can learn more about their early married years in Mark's interview on The Stories Collective. Heather's first pregnancy with their son Josiah was what most would consider normal but the birth itself was incredibly traumatic. It came to a point where Heather had to fully commit her precious son to the Lord. By the grace of God Josiah is living today and the Lord blessed Heather and Mark with 3 other children, Eli, Hannah and Bekah. Heather talks us through each pregnancy, detailing the struggles but ultimately communicates how faithful God was to see her through and gift their family with healthy children. Unfortunately, after the pregnancies Heather was still experiencing some intense and somewhat unexplainable health issues. You'll hear the emotion in her voice as she talks through the extreme lows she experienced trying to parent her young children and feeling isolated from community. It is hard to encapsulate all that Heather has been through medically but all in all you see God's hand over her life in very specific and tangible ways. There is a joy that is contagious throughout the conversation. You'll appreciate Heather's heart and perspective as she shares. Heather's life is truly a miracle and we're so thankful to have her as a part of our church!

Mark Van Sant's episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NBPKEC89pjJZfFRvIUNtj?si=2fb14514dd2740b0

Wednesday Night Women's Bible Study (led by Heather): https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1882561

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God’s faithfulness!

Many of us as Christians are familiar with the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18, where the shepherd leaves the 99 just to find the one. This is a story that resonates deeply with today's guest on The Stories Collective, Mike Lockwood. Mike was born and raised in the small town of Newfield, NY and his parents were divorced before he could even remember them being together. Growing up in a small town provided lots of opportunities to get in trouble (as Mike describes) and by the time he was in high school he felt like his reputation preceded him. He didn't have much of a faith background but after high school he and his friends began questioning what the purpose of life was. This led to Mike starting to attend church though it took a while for him to place his trust in Jesus. There was a girl at the church named Mindy who would sing special music and he felt almost immediately that this would be the woman he would marry. Mike and Mindy married in 2001 and moved to Iowa for Mike to start Bible college - they also found out they were pregnant with their daughter quickly into their marriage. Life was moving fast, and though they had developed Christian community Mike began to struggle in his faith. He felt that he didn't fit the mold and began to doubt that God could really work in his life. This led to a years long time of rebellion being in and out of his home and struggling to walk with the Lord. Years of some poor choices and alcohol addiction culminated in the fall of 2005. Mike experienced two instances where he could've and almost died. One experience being an accident and the other being a result of choices he had made. He had truly reached the bottom, and this is where God began to pick him up. Mike finally realized that God had never left him. The Shepherd had come to find the one that had left the 99. Though it was not an overnight change, Mike's life began to turn around. Listen in and be amazed as Mike walks us through how he came back to the Lord, how his marriage and family life was restored and so much more. The incredible and miraculous change that Jesus worked in Mike's life is undeniable. God never gives up on us and that is certainly evident in Mike's story. 

Mike's interview on The Now Life podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zLkPqiTaKumOfiplrsoRZ?si=ea37bef2da114c7f

Reckless Love by Cory Asbury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc6SSHuZvQE

Men's Summit October 2023: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1780506

Harvest Compassion Center: https://harvestcompassioncenter.org

Resident Strangers podcast: https://www.dscchurch.com/resident-strangers

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God’s faithfulness!

Rebeccah Sinclair joined us in the studio to talk about her faith journey! Rebeccah works with Legacy Family Ministries which is an amazing resource for parents and families. You'll hear a little bit about it at the beginning of the episode. Rebeccah and her husband have five children themselves and it's awesome hearing about their passion for Biblically based parenting. Rebeccah comes from a large military family and grew up as a child of divorce living in multiple places. Both her Mom and Dad had their own Christian faith, but it was tough to settle into one way of thinking when she was splitting time between family and cities. A big decision Rebeccah had to make during her high school years led her to an intense time of Bible study and prayer. After receiving advice from someone close to her, she decided to make that decision based on how she felt which is what eventually began her journey into a more New Age version of Christianity. While serving in the Marines, Rebeccah met her husband, Joel. After they married, they eventually settled in the Goodyear area and began attending Desert Springs. Rebeccah initially struggled as she was still holding onto a lot of her personal beliefs while hearing Biblical teaching each weekend. You'll hear about how the Lord slowly began to work in Rebeccah's heart and what led her to come back to a true understanding of who Jesus is. Being involved in community is a major part of the story! Rebeccah also offers some advice and resources for parents who are trying to help children with the big questions they might have. This is a great conversation in so many ways, listen in and be encouraged! 

Legacy Family Ministries - https://legacyfamilyministries.com

Books Rebeccah Recommends:

Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments - https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Scripture-Topical-Teachable-Moments/dp/0802408494/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1D46QD9NGC8C2&keywords=parenting+with+scripture+by+kara+durbin&qid=1691702564&sprefix=parenting+with+scripture%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

Dear God, I Have a Question: Honest Answers to Kids' Questions About Faith - https://www.amazon.com/Dear-God-Have-Question-Questions/dp/1400223261/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E7DDU72EG6BI&keywords=dear+god+i+have+a+question+book&qid=1691702590&sprefix=dear+god+i+have+a+%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1
Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science - https://www.amazon.com/Indescribable-Devotions-Kids-About-Science/dp/0718086104/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1USLIZPC73H3H&keywords=indescribable+100+devotions+for+kids+about+god+and+science&qid=1691702624&sprefix=indesr%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1
Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers: The Gospel - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Thoughts-Little-Thinkers-Gospel/dp/0892216174/ref=sr_1_1?crid=152D7YQLD8DB7&keywords=big+thoughts+for+little+thinkers&qid=16917026