Tim Halfin heard that a local boy had gone missing for 3 days. As he started to pray, he heard God say, “You will go look for that boy tomorrow.”

Today, we're sharing an amazing story presented by the "God Out Loud" podcast. To hear the rest of this episode, fast forward about 20 minutes on the God Out Loud Podcast. 

Here it is on Apple: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin

Here it is on Spotify: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin

Hey, if you have a story where you felt like God told you to do something specific, kind of like what happened with Tim's story, would you share it with us on the green microphone button? 

https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/?t=1729289102476

Nashville-native Riley Clemmons was “discovered” at a school pageant when she was 13 years old. She signed a record deal 2 years later and started writing songs, touring, and facing the challenges of the music industry. She has been open about her struggles including OCD, imposter syndrome, and dealing with the pressures of social media. By the time she was 21, Riley realized she’d been attaching her self-worth to the success or failure of every song, and it was exhausting. Facing burnout, Riley made the decision to step away from her career to reconnect with her faith and identity God. Through therapy, prayer, and the support of loved ones, she rediscovered the true meaning of worth and authenticity and found a new passion for music. For more on Riley’s music, visit RileyClemmons.com 

"Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Yes, it can." William Winfield shares how his faith in Christ transformed his life from homelessness to hope and purpose. Reflecting on his journey, William reminds us that the greatest tragedy in life isn't death, but living without purpose. Hear how God has used William in key moments of a few men's lives, and how his Christlike compassion to them at just the right moment gave them much-needed hope and a lasting life change.

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. 

When Toni Collier was young, her family experienced a traumatic event that forced her to grow up fast.   She had to take control in order to ensure the survival of the people around her.  It was a heavy burden and by the time she was a teen, that weight was too much.  She set out on a path of destruction that included drinking, drugs, and toxic relationships.  Even meeting Jesus didn’t really change her life. Real change didn’t happen until Toni was willing to surrender everything. Toni is the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a ministry that helps women know that God can redeem any story when we surrender it to him, and the author of “Brave Enough to be Broken.” 

God is all about transformation.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God loves second chances.  Jermaine Wilson had spent four years in prison by the time he was 19. His dad had been to prison. His brother had been to prison, and his sister had been to prison. Jermaine’s search for love led him to earn acceptance through criminal activity and gang involvement. But it was a trap. He wanted a different life yet there seemed to be no way out. How does a gang member, drug dealer and prison inmate become the mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas?  That’s the incredible God-story of Jermaine Wilson.  Today, Jermaine is the mission ambassador for Prison Fellowship. 

In 2022, Ben Fuller was a singer and songwriter just beginning his career in Christian music.  His song “Who I Am” has been played on stations around the country.  He grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont as a well-liked kid who seemed to have it all together.  But he always struggled to earn his father’s approval.  On the inside, he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole.  He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, and even “making it” in country music.  With each new thing, he was left asking himself, “Is this it?  Is THIS what life is all about?” 

Infertility is more common than we might imagine. One in six couples struggles to conceive, and yet it can be a very lonely experience.  Taylor and Lindsey Hohulin had always assumed they would have children.  They were healthy and they came from families with lots of kids.  So when they had trouble conceiving, it was surprising.  Taylor and Lindsey have experienced the highs and lows of an infertility journey.  They have been optimistic, disappointed, full of hope and full of grief.  When you long for something so desperately, something that God says is good, how do you trust He is faithful even while your prayers seem to be unanswered?   

Jon Reddick is a singer and worship leader who writes songs of hope and healing, like “God, Turn It Around” and “I Believe It.” There was a time when the hurts and hard parts of life left him questioning, is God’s plan always good?  Would the dreams planted in Jon’s heart ever really happen?  He seriously considered leaving music behind.  But God used encounters with 2 strangers to affirm Jon’s purpose and change his life. 

When it comes to addiction, freedom comes through surrender.  Scott Spiezio had always been a “goal guy,” setting goals, working hard and finding success.  The son of a major league baseball player, he grew up with his hopes set on playing in the big leagues.  He won two World Series Championships with the Anaheim Angels and the St. Louis Cardinals in his 12 years in the major leagues.  But an injury, a move away from the tight-knit community of believers that had surrounded him, and the pressures of great success led to the crumbling of his life and career.

Scott Hamilton is one of the most recognized male figure skating stars in the world, winning four World Championships and Olympic gold in 1984.  He is a three-time cancer survivor, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, and more.  Scott says failure is the thing that has fueled much of his success. God used the challenge of Scott’s journey with cancer to get his attention and to grab his heart.   

Long before Page Turner began transforming houses on HGTV shows like “Flip or Flop,” “Rock the Block,” and “Fix My Flip,” she experienced the transformation of her own heart.  Raised by her agnostic mother, she was exposed to many different religions as a child.  But at 19, she met Jesus.  As a single mother and sole provider for 3 young daughters, she desperately needed God to transform her life.  Along the way she became a real estate broker, entrepreneur, and TV host, as she learned to follow God wherever he leads. 

Austin French grew up in church, but for a long time he despised Christians.  It seemed religion was all about pretending your life was perfect, and Austin’s life was anything but that.  Living with an abusive father, he learned to hide his bruises and put on a smile.  He swore when he was old enough, he would run as far as his cynicism would take him.  But an encounter with Jesus at 13 changed Austin’s heart, and he committed to using his musical talents to telling people about Him.  After appearing on national television shows like The Voice and Rising Star, Austin has become a successful singer and songwriter with songs like “Freedom Hymn,” “Born Again,” and “Jesus Can.” 

Helen Smallbone and her husband David were living in Australia when David’s business unexpectedly collapsed.  With 6 kids, they took an enormous leap of faith and moved to the United States with everything they owned packed in 16 suitcases.  Within a couple of months, David’s new job fell through.  They were forced to live by faith and to trust God in ways they never had before.  Helen is the mother of Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King & Country, along with 4 other amazingly talented children.  She is the author of “Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family. 

In 2006, 18-year-old Katie Davis traveled to Uganda for the first time.  The people captivated her heart and within a year Katie was back in Uganda. Over the next 13 years, Katie founded Amazima Ministries, became a mom to 13 beautiful girls by the time she was 23, and married her husband Benji Majors.  Her books, “Kisses from Katie” and “Daring to Hope” became New York Times best sellers. Her story of taking baby steps of faith and seeing both the mountain-top highs and heartbreaking lows of ministry will inspire you to believe God can do anything. 

Susie Larson is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of the popular radio show/podcast Susie Larson Live on the Faith Radio Network.  She is a woman known for her wisdom.  That wisdom has come through challenging life experiences.  The trauma she faced as a child left her feeling afraid and bracing for the next bad thing. But God had a plan for healing her wounds and equipping her to share her story, helping thousands along the way.  Susie is the author of more than 20 books and devotionals, including her latest, “Strong In Battle.”

Tony Burkeybyle knows what it is to be a broken man. He also knows what it is to live a surrendered life. Tony now volunteers in prisons, guiding men to forgiveness and a life rooted in God's grace. In this episode, Tony shares how his son's imprisonment led him to minister to men at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, pointing them toward the freedom and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

In early 1970, a small group of hippies walked into a church in Costa Mesa, California and helped change Christian music forever.  The Jesus Movement had begun on the West Coast, kicking off a spiritual awakening that swept the nation. Chuck Girard was at the center of it. He was a talented musician looking for answers to the meaning of life. He threw off traditional religion, became a hippie, and embraced drugs as the path to finding spiritual truth.  Chuck is one of the founding members of Love Song, a band that changed Christian music. If you’ve seen the movie Jesus Revolution, you’ll love hearing this first-hand account of a fascinating time in American history. 

When there is deception in marriage, how can you rebuild trust? For more than 20 years Mark and Jill Savage had served in ministry; Mark as a pastor, and Jill as the founder and director of Hearts at Home, a ministry for moms.  Their marriage had good seasons and hard seasons. But in what the Savages describe as their darkest year, they faced infidelity and were headed for divorce.  How could the pieces of their shattered life be put together again?  Today Mark and Jill are passionate about encouraging marriages and families. Jill is the host of the No More Perfect Podcast and has authored twelve books.  Together Mark and Jill have authored two books and provide marriage coaching and resources at JillSavage.com. This episode contains adult content. 

Tarn Cross believes God has hard-wired us for adventure.   When Tarn and her husband Matt had a young family in Australia, they began to grow restless.  Their church experience seemed more like dry religion than a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. That’s when God led them to their first mission experience in Uganda.  Within days of arriving, they realized what they thought would be an adventure was actually going to require radical faith and trust.  Today Tarn is a leader who has traveled the world speaking and helping people discover their God-given identity and purpose. 

As co-founder of She Reads Truth, Amanda Bible Williams has helped women around the world read God’s Word every day.  She believes in the power of the Bible to transform lives and sustain us through difficult times. A few years after launching She Reads Truth, Amanda and her husband David began the process of adopting their son Toby, who was born with a heart defect.  That journey has included both amazing miracles and exhausting suffering, and seeing how God is close through it all. 

When Cedric Hardimon faced tragedy as a teenager, his friends challenged him.  Would he walk away from his faith or would that experience solidify what he believed?  A common thread throughout Cedric’s life has been seeing how God uses it ALL – the successes, the things that look like failures, the mountain tops, and the desert experiences.  Somehow God can work all of it together for good.  Today Cedric is a pastor at Life Church East Kansas City and he serves as the chaplain for the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the road to these two dream opportunities wasn’t easy. It was a journey filled with opportunities to choose to trust God. 

When police knocked on Pastor Monte Gannon’s door, he never could have imagined it was the start of something beautiful.  Everything his church-owned was packed in a trailer that had been stolen and burned to the ground. As Monte prayed, he remembered two things- desperate people do desperate things, and God can take what was meant for evil and turn it for good. In a video that went viral, Monte reached out to whoever was responsible for the crime saying, “You are valuable.  God has hope for you.  You are invited to Meadows Church.”  He had no idea how those words would come true. 

For years there has been a stigma around issues of mental health, including in the Church.  For many of us, we assume depression and anxiety are issues we can fix, if we just read the Bible or pray more.  Lydia Laird knew God was calling her to write and perform music about her faith, but she was struggling with depression, anxiety and panic attacks.  For much of her life she carried shame because she just couldn’t fix it. 

The Outpouring at Asbury University began with a small group of students who stayed after chapel to worship and pray.  Over the course of the next 2 weeks, some estimate as many as 50,000 people came to Wilmore, Kentucky to be a part of it.  On February 23rd, the university officially stopped hosting public services.  If you weren’t among the 50,000 who experienced it, today’s show will give you a glimpse.  In this episode, we talk with people who came from hundreds and thousands of miles to visit Asbury.  Why did they go?  What were they hoping for? Guests from Ohio to Ontario share their stories.  

On February 8, 2023, a normal chapel service for students at Asbury University turned into something extraordinary. A small group of students stayed afterward and began sharing struggles, confessing sin, and praying for each other.  From those humble beginnings, an outpouring of God’s love and presence began and within days thousands had traveled from across the U.S. and beyond to experience it.  Host Meridith Foster traveled to Wilmore, Kentucky to hear about it from the students themselves.   

Jeremy Camp is a singer and songwriter whose story has been told in music and in a movie about his life. One of his most well-known songs is a simple but powerful declaration of faith. "I Still Believe" was written in a time of deep heartache and grief. As a young man, he had to make a choice. Would he trust that God is good even when life is not or walk away from his faith? That heartbreaking season forged a faith that is the foundation of Jeremy’s life. 

Katie Campell has always had a passion to pray for people.  A few years ago, she began to sense God was asking her to follow him to a place she didn’t yet know and for a ministry that wasn’t yet clear. To most people, that sounds crazy. Why would you pack up your family, move 2500 miles to a place where you knew no one, for a ministry that didn’t even exist?  This is the story behind 30A Prays, a ministry on the beaches of County Road 30A which spans the Gulf Coast of Florida roughly between Destin and Panama City. Since March of 2023, 30A Prays has prayed for and shared the Gospel with thousands of Gen-Z students from across the U.S.  God is moving among Gen Z on the beaches of 30A, and it began with a free fall of faith. 

Ryan Otto wanted the fairytale marriage and family that he missed out on as a child. But there was one problem- he was paralyzed by the fear of choosing the wrong person or repeating his parents’ mistakes.  Mary Jane was confident of one thing- she would never marry a pastor.  It seemed to be an impossible situation, but it was actually an only-God-could-do-this kind of love story. 

After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. That journey led her back to Jesus and a call to use her musical talents.  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 found. 

Christine O’Dell’s world slowly shrank as she lived with a fear of fear.  Panic disorder, anxiety, and agoraphobia lead her to impose restrictions on anything that might trigger an attack. For more than two decades she never traveled more than 15 miles from home. Their kids’ out-of-town games, relatives' funerals, college visits for their kids, visiting elderly parents- she could do none of these. Christine and her husband Les learned to function, but never to be free from the fear that ruled their family. It seemed obvious this wasn’t God’s will for their lives, but change, healing, and hope all felt impossible. But God used an illness that could have been a death sentence to give Christine new life.  Christine shares more of her story at GodIsInThisStory.com 

Praying for healing can be tricky.  Sometimes we pray and see miraculous results.  Sometimes we pray and it seems like God isn’t listening.  Weez Stockton loves to pray. She has used her voice for decades on the radio, leading worship, and praying for others.  She has been both the pray-er, and the one prayed for; especially during the long years when she faced multiple health challenges.  If you deal with chronic illness, her story will inspire you to pray and give you hope. 

When you work in the fashion industry, image is everything.  As a young woman, Hannah Corwin moved to London and began working as a photographer in the fashion industry.  It was an environment where it was easy to get caught up in believing you are what brand you wear. Image meant everything, and her identity was completely wrapped up in her job.  Today Hannah works in Nashville, shooting artists and musicians in the country music and Christian music industries.  Along the way, God got hold of her heart and her camera, and He’s using it to tell about the miraculous things He’s done, through a beautiful book of photography and stories called, “But God.” 

Marcus Rixon grew up in a 12’ x 6’ home with no running water in Kolkata, India.  One of the challenges he faced was the box that kids like Marcus grew up in- a box that defined him and his potential. But his parents prayed for a way out of poverty, and the first answer to that prayer was sponsorship through One Child that allowed him to go to school.  It was the beginning of a series of events that radically changed the trajectory of his life.   

Jo Saxton is one of those people who seems naturally gifted to lead. She’s an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. But the early years of her life were filled with experiences that fed a deep insecurity. Her gifts and talents were buried beneath the weight of the baggage she carried. If you’ve ever questioned whether God could use even you, you’ll want to hear Jo’s story. 

Have you ever felt God’s presence?  The Bible says one of the names of Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” In this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding, we asked our guests to share stories of how they have experienced God’s presence in supernatural ways.  We hear stories from worship leaders Paul and Hannah McClure, Mike Weaver from Big Daddy Weave, Pam Peoples, and Katie Brink, with special contributions from Mallary Hope and Sisters & Company. 

When Mike Donehey thinks about Christmas as a kid, he can’t remember the gifts he received most years.  But one Christmas stands out.  It was the year there were no presents in the Donehey family.  His parents came to the Donehey kids with a proposition – they could afford Christmas presents or surgery to save their dog, Sam. Mike talks about how sometimes, not getting what we hope for, can be a gift.  Mike is the former lead singer of Tenth Avenue North and author of “Finding God’s Life for My Will.”  

When God calls you to something, sometimes it takes years before it actually comes to pass.  Rob Wallstrom has had a very successful career as a retail executive, leading companies like Vera Bradley and Saks Fifth Avenue’s outlet division. But years ago, his goal wasn’t to lead companies.  As a teenager, he felt a clear call from God to be a pastor.  It’s been 35 years since then.  Now, it seems to be time to pursue that dream.  If you find yourself in a season of waiting, Rob’s story will encourage you. 

Jerry Thomason shares his personal journey as a cancer patient, revealing how his faith in God has been his anchor through unexpected challenges. Amidst his diagnosis, Jerry's reflections on reshaped priorities, strengthened beliefs, and the impact on those around him offer powerful insights. Jerry's story highlights the blessings and lessons found even in the darkest times.

Meridith wants to hear your story. If you have a smartphone, USB microphone, or other way to record your voice, use this link and click the green microphone button, as we're looking for more Wow God Stories to share with our podcast listeners. 

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you do if you knew God was with you?  Ryan Leak is a teaching pastor, speaker, executive coach, and author.  He is widely known for his documentary, “Chasing Failure.”  He asked himself: What would he do if he knew he could not fail?  The answer was easy- he’d be in the NBA- and since the only way to know if that dream could be a reality was to try, that is exactly what he did. 

If you have experienced a devastating loss, you may wonder how anyone could survive such debilitating grief. How do you live through that kind of sadness? That’s what Kyle and Betty Mertens thought when they lost their one-year-old daughter Ella. They were drowning in grief, but they were determined to find a way through it with God. In the wake of their tragedy, they created a journal to keep their grief from pulling them apart.  Their experience gave them an unexpected expertise on grieving, and they suddenly found themselves helping others navigate loss.  Kyle and Betty are authors of the book, “Unraveled: When Loss Changes Everything.”   

Courtney Smallbone’s family has followed Jesus for generations.  But as a teenager, Courtney was unconvinced.  Then a pivotal experience changed her from skeptic to whole-hearted believer.  She saw God doing the impossible, and that marked her for life.  It changed her expectations and prepared her for a day when she would need to believe for something that seemed impossible.  Courtney and her husband Luke, who is half of the duo For King and Country, have four children and live in Columbia, Tennessee.