Kevin Santiago was driven to succeed.  He set out to acquire the things he thought would bring happiness – a good job, house, car, and family.  But when his plans began to crumble, he fell into depression.  One night he got in his car after having a few drinks.  It was a choice that had devastating consequences and left Kevin overwhelmed with guilt and shame.  Facing years in prison, he began to believe his life wasn’t worth living. Kevin’s story is a reminder that there is no one who is too far gone, no sin or story that is beyond God’s power to redeem. This episode includes references to depression and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

Nigerian-born singer and songwriter Blessing Offor immigrated to the United States when he was six years old, leaving his parents and five older siblings behind. His family made the difficult choice to send him to America for medical care because he was born with congenital glaucoma and was nearly blind in his left eye. A few years later a fluke accident left him almost totally blind in both eyes.  It was a series of events that some might consider tragic, but Blessing Offor considers a gift. Blessing is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter, with songs like “Brighter Days,” “Tin Roof,” and “Believe.”  If you’re in a place where your prayers don’t seem to be answered and it feels like everything has gone wrong, Blessing’s story might change your perspective. 

When Dave Munson graduated from Bible college, he was sure of one thing: the most spiritual thing he could do was full-time ministry.  Then Dave went to Mexico as a missionary and that’s where he purchased the leather bag that God used to change everything, including Dave’s pride-filled heart.  Dave is the founder of Saddleback Leather Company, whose goal is to love people around the world by making excessively high-quality leather bags.  How does a prideful missionary become a humble but super-successful CEO? That’s Dave Munson’s story. 

Not long after Jamie Winship joined the police force, he realized he was not equipped to face the challenges on the streets of Washington DC. He needed supernatural help to live out his God-given identity as a peacemaker. Jamie learned how to listen to God. God gave him creative, often radical, solutions that transformed hardened criminals into followers of Jesus.  His track record was so successful, he was recruited by the CIA. Jamie spent 30 years working in some of the most dangerous conflict zones on earth, including with terrorists in the Middle East.  Jamie is the author of Living Fearless, and he and his wife Donna are the founders of IdentityExchange.com 

After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. It was a long journey that led her back to Jesus.  As a gifted worship leader, God opened doors in music but not what Tasha had imagined.  She found herself on American Idol and touring the world as a backup singer for Katy Perry, before finding her home writing worship songs and books to help others experience the freedom she’s found in Jesus. 

Hear the brand-new podcast called "Wow God Stories", with hosts, Lisa WIlliams and Ann Sorenson. This podcast reminds us of a God who is able, alive, and active in our lives. https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/ Click the link, or subscribe on Apple, Google, or Spotify today.

Iveth Luna is known as one of the rising new artists of today, writing songs that inspire people to worship Jesus.  Although she had always secretly dreamed that she could be a worship leader, it wasn’t until she had a supernatural experience at 19 that she knew God was calling her to music.  But then she experienced one crushing disappointment after another.  In auditions for both The Voice and America’s God Talent, she came so close, only to experience heartbreak.  It seemed God was closing every door.  The disappointment she felt soon turned to depression and then questioning both God and herself. 

Hear the brand-new podcast called "Wow God Stories", with hosts, Lisa WIlliams and Ann Sorenson. This podcast reminds us of a God who is able, alive, and active in our lives. https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/ Click the link, or subscribe on Apple, Google, or Spotify today.

Like many kids growing up on the south side of St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevin Burgess struggled with depression and hopelessness.  After his parents’ divorce, he moved from a place where he felt safe, to a community where drugs and violence seemed to rule. He felt forgotten by society and had little hope of living to the age of 30. That’s when an acquaintance handed him a Christian hip-hop CD that changed his life.  Kevin Burgess is better known by his stage name, KB.  He is a Christian hip-hop artist, music executive, the author of Dangerous Jesus, and a man with a heart to shepherd the lost and hurting toward hope in Jesus. 

The spinal surgery Katy Nichole underwent to correct scoliosis left her in excruciating pain.  For three years she battled anxiety and depression.  She came to a point where she wanted to give up, but God met Katy at her lowest and promised He had a purpose for her life.  During those years of struggle Katy realized God had given her the gift of music so she could encourage others.  Katy’s song, “In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)” became a viral sensation and set a record for the fastest rise to #1 for a female artist’s debut single.  In this episode, Katy shares the story behind the song and how she became convinced there is always hope with Jesus.