The Walk with John I. Snyder

True compassion is more than well-meaning charity. Here’s how faith in action is creating sustainable infrastructure to give millions new life.

Clean water is a background feature of modern life that requires no second thought. For most of us, anyway. But there are nearly 700 million people across the world who live day to day without reliable access to safe water. Up to 60% of water infrastructure projects in developing regions eventually fail and are abandoned. Well-meaning organizations install wells, take photographs, and leave, only for a broken pump or missing replacement part to set the community right back to where they started. 

In this episode of The Walk, Dave LeVan, CEO of Water for Good, sat down with host Dr. John I. Snyder to challenge the quick-fix charity mindset. Moving from corporate success to nonprofit leadership, Dave shares how combining deep faith with innovative, community-driven maintenance models is transforming lives across Africa and Asia, one sustainable well at a time.

Find out more at waterforgood.org.

Most Christians believe that faith should shield us from suffering, and that if we're truly trusting God, pain is a sign that something’s wrong. Sydney Bennett’s story shows the opposite is true. After experiencing sudden disability, chronic pain, and mental anguish, she uncovered a profound truth: suffering isn’t a sign of spiritual failure, but rather a part of God’s faithful, loving presence in his refiner’s fire.

Sydney grew up in a pastor’s home with all the theological answers to suffering, but found herself one day walking through her darkest season—physically, mentally, emotionally. Her story reveals how our deep-seated beliefs about faith and suffering can distort our view of God's love. Through her journey, she learned that God’s sovereignty doesn't exclude pain. Instead, it transforms our brokenness into future glory. 

You’ll discover:

• How biblical language for profound grief (like that found in the Psalms) can help you bring your pain honestly before God
• Why suffering isn’t punishment, but rather part of your personal faith journey
• The powerful truth about Christ’s faithfulness, not our own, that declares us loved in our weakness
• How understanding that our brokenness is woven into God's redemptive story can bring peace when life feels like it’s taken a wrong turn
• Practical ways to bring your raw feelings before God and receive His strength to carry your burdens

This episode is for anyone walking through long-term suffering and looking for hope. Sydney’s insights will help you see your pain not as signs of failure but of God’s power in your life. Her story illustrates that even in our lowest moments, God’s love is immovable and your pain can serve a greater purpose.

If you’re wrestling with doubts, grief, or enduring a season of unknowns, this conversation shines a light of hope, grounded in grace. 

Sydney Bennett is an author and speaker, known for her candid discussions around faith and her deep compassion. Her experiences navigating disability and suffering are inspiring others to trust God's good plan, no matter how broken life feels.

Doomscrolling gets us all. The funny cat videos and “Five Ways to Crush Your Tuesday” reels start off as a fun distraction, but sometimes it takes us down a rabbit hole that leads straight to an anxiety attack, as algorithms prioritize your attention over your actual time. 

Gerald Jones, an Emmy-winning filmmaker and Christian raised in the foundation of his grandmother’s faith, got tired of waiting for the internet to change. He teamed up with a friend to build Blessn, the social media app that trades algorithmic tricks for personalized messages of faith.

In this conversation, learn how Jerald:

• Brought the app to life
• Navigated the pitfalls of self-funding a tech startup
• Discovered his true sense of God’s call
• And even won an Emmy with a one-day family production

He believes the church is ready to claim the social media space for good. Find out how to use the tools you already have to change someone’s day, for the better.

Is Europe a graveyard for the Gospel, or fruitful soil for its future?

In today's episode of The Walk, Dr. John Snyder sits down with Mike Tilley of ICC Eurasia for a deep-dive on the shifting spiritual landscape of the European continent. For decades, the narrative has been one of decline—a “post-Christian” museum of empty cathedrals. But from his vantage point, Mike sees something else entirely: a second wind of the Holy Spirit moving through cultural crossroads that most leaders have overlooked.

This conversation moves beyond anecdotal success stories, providing a real-life, strategic look at how the Gospel is taking root in secular soil. Mike shares his journey from a secular upbringing to shepherding pastors across Eurasia, offering practical advice on how to lead with confidence when tradition is no longer the tailwind. Whether you are a corporate leader or a local pastor, this episode is a guide to prioritizing relationship over religion in the world’s most influential crossroads.

Can your darkest struggles  become your greatest source of hope? Pamela Good’s story is a powerful testament to triumph over trauma, peeling away the layers of pain from childhood, mental illness, and broken relationships to reveal a resilient faith in Jesus that will inspire everyone feeling lost or overwhelmed.

In this episode, Pamela shares how her upbringing—marked by a mother with paranoid schizophrenia and years of trauma—shaped her journey of survival and healing. She uncovers the spiritual warfare and strongholds that kept her bound, and how embracing God's Word and prayer slowly released her from years of suffering. Her candid reflections on breaking points, forgiveness, and finally finding peace will resonate with anyone battling internal battles or struggling with shame and rejection.

Discover how childhood trauma can influence mental health and relationships, the steps to identify and break spiritual strongholds, and practical insights from Pamela’s journey of prayer, journaling, and biblical truth. She reveals the powerful role of community, honesty, and seeking God's presence in true healing—something she never experienced growing up. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start healing, and that God’s grace can turn brokenness into a testimony of hope.

Pamela’s journey shows that healing isn’t linear—sometimes you'll need to confront decades of pain, but through God‘s grace and power, healing is possible. Her story encourages you to embrace your story, seek spiritual renewal, and live the life God created you for.

This conversation is for anyone feeling stuck in past wounds, struggling with mental health, or seeking spiritual breakthrough. If you’re ready to confront your pain and step into freedom, this episode is your fresh start.

Join Pamela as she unveils the path from brokenness to breakthrough—proof that no matter how dark the night, hope is always within reach.

In a world filled with stories, the journey of a Christian storyteller intertwines with their faith and experiences in powerful ways. In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of Wilson Hickman, a filmmaker and author, who shares his transformative journey from childhood storytelling to creating a Christian-themed fantasy series. Join us as we explore the powerful connection between faith, family, and the art of storytelling.

In a world where cultural narratives shape our understanding of truth, Dr. John I. Snyder and Anthony Freda embark on a profound exploration of faith, art, and politics. Broadcasting from the vibrant city of Munich, Germany, they delve into the spiritual battles that define our era. Their conversation invites listeners to challenge the status quo and embrace their roles as champions for truth and faith. Through personal awakenings and controversial art, Anthony Freda invites us to reconsider the narratives that have been ingrained in our society.

Anthony Freda emphasizes the importance of being proactive in the face of cultural and spiritual challenges. By blending art with faith, he demonstrates how creative expression can be a powerful tool for a faith awakening and cultural change. His insights encourage us to look beyond the surface and engage with the powerful Biblical truths that shape our worldview.

As they navigate the complexities of modern life, Dr. Snyder and Freda remind us of the power of faith and art to inspire change. Their conversation underscores the need for Christians to become active participants in the spiritual battles of our time.

In a world where many grapple with identity and purpose, Pastor Ed Newton’s story offers a beacon of hope. Raised by deaf parents, Ed’s early life was marked by a search for belonging and understanding. His journey took a pivotal turn on his 15th birthday when he embraced faith, setting him on a path of transformation and ministry.

Ed’s narrative is one of resilience and faith, underscored by the challenges he faced in high school, where his newfound beliefs led to unexpected discoveries. But these moments of solitude brought strength and clarity, and he realized that his life had a new direction. This journey of faith was not without its critics, including his grandfather, who questioned the financial wisdom of a life in ministry. However, Ed’s pursuit was never about wealth; it was about the truth of Jesus and discovering God’s calling in our lives.

The heart of Ed’s message is encapsulated in the phrase “Why not you?” This powerful question, first posed by a mentor, became a life message, inspiring Ed to write it on his mirror and eventually share it with others. His book, "Why Not You?" is a testament to this philosophy, encouraging readers to embrace their potential and believe in what God believes about them.

Ed’s story is a reminder that our past does not define us. Through faith and perseverance, we can overcome self-doubt and soceity’s expectations. His journey illustrates the transformative power of God’s purpose that guides us all.

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In a world where faith and creativity often seem at odds, Jesús Canchola Sánchez's journey offers a compelling narrative of reconciliation and growth. Growing up in a Catholic family in Chicago, Jesús's early life was steeped in religious tradition. However, like many teenagers, he rebelled against these teachings, embarking on a journey that would take him far from the church and into the realms of leftist ideologies and diverse belief systems.

His exploration led him to Cuba, where he was exposed to communism, and later to New York City, where he immersed himself in a liberal arts education and the vibrant creative scene. Despite his distance from the church, Jesús found solace in the quiet moments spent in its presence, a testament to the enduring power of his grandmother's faith.

As a creative, Jesús's journey was marked by significant achievements, including the production of a film in Mexico and the publication of a children's book. Yet, it was his return to Chicago and the church that marked a turning point. Embracing his faith once more, Jesús found a renewed sense of purpose, leading to the creation of his debut novel, "Escape from Natura Meta."

Set in a dystopian future, the novel explores themes of faith, identity, and societal manipulation, reflecting Jesús's own journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. As he continues to develop his voice and share stories that resonate with his faith, Jesús's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of creativity and belief.

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In a world where past traumas often dictate our present, Dr. Brad Johnson's journey offers a beacon of hope. From overcoming personal adversities to inspiring others through his urban fiction series, "Hard Conversations," Dr. Johnson's story is a testament to the power of faith and healing.

The Journey of Faith: Dr. Johnson's path to faith began at 19, a pivotal moment that transformed his life. Despite growing up in church, it wasn't until college that he truly experienced God, finding solace and purpose in his relationship with Jesus. This faith became the cornerstone of his life, guiding him through challenges and inspiring his work as an author and pastor.

Hard Conversations: "Hard Conversations" delves into the lives of five urban individuals, each grappling with their past. Through their stories, Dr. Johnson highlights the universal struggle of confronting personal demons and the necessity of healing to move forward. The series serves as a reminder that no matter our background, addressing our past is vital for personal growth.

Music and Ministry: Beyond writing, Dr. Johnson's passion for music complements his literary work. Each book release is accompanied by an inspirational gospel song, further spreading his message of hope and healing. As a pastor, he and his wife lead Transform City Church, fostering a community of faith and support for those new to the church experience.

Dr. Brad Johnson's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of healing and faith. His work encourages us to face our past, embrace our faith, and engage in the hard conversations necessary for true transformation. Subscribe now to follow his journey and explore the profound impact of faith in overcoming life's challenges.