Great Stories by Haven Today

Tim Challies on his Epic Round-the-World Journey through Christian History

When we think about the ancient church, our minds usually jump to Jerusalem or Rome. But what about Africa, Asia, and the Americas? From the very beginning, the family of God spread throughout the world—and their stories deserve to be told.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Tim Challies acts as our tour-guide as he discusses his recent around-the-world journey to every inhabited continent in search of artifacts that tell the story of Christ and His people throughout the centuries. 

To compliment this episode, dive deeper into these stories from around the world by visiting haventoday.org to make your gift and receive a copy of Tim’s 10-part documentary series called Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History.

The Gospel According to Moses

Moses looms large in the Old Testament, but not because he was so impressive. His story begins with failure, and yet, by the end of this life, he would go on to become the greatest prophet of the Old Testament.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen has a roundtable discussion with executive producer Troy Lamberth and Cuba broadcast host Danny Rojas about how this towering figure in Scripture provides a Gospel blueprint for the greater Moses—Jesus. After that, you'll hear a bonus interview with the director of the theatrical production of Moses: Sight & Sound, Chris Wert.

Tremper Longman on How Moses Points to Jesus

Even people who are unfamiliar with the Bible often recognize the story of the burning bush, the ten plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea. But beneath the surface, there is so much more to the story of Moses than meets the eye.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast by Haven Today, David Wollen dives deep into the story of Moses with one of today's top evangelical scholars, Dr. Tremper Longman. Together, they discuss how the pattern of the exodus can be traced throughout the entire Bible—ultimately leading to Jesus. Not only will this conversation give you a greater appreciation for how Christ shows up in all of Scripture, but it will also show you how foundational the story of Moses is to salvation history. 

Darby Strickland Helps Kids Cope with Fear & Anxiety

As wonderful as childhood can be, sometimes hard or traumatic events happen that exceed a child’s ability to cope. The death of a loved one, a natural disaster, a traffic accident, a medical emergency, or even a global pandemic. These events touch us—and our little ones—far more than we realize. 

Many factors have contributed to what is now an unprecedented increase in fear and anxiety in the younger generation—be it from the world at large or events that are up close and personal. Sometimes, parents and grandparents don't even know that something happened or what their child's experience of it was. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, you’re going to hear a conversation between David Wollen, his wife, Marci, and Christian counselor and author Darby Strickland. Together, they dive deeply into the very important topic of helping kids cope with trauma, fear, and anxiety—all in light of God's Word. Part of this discussion will also be about the special storybook that Darby has written called Something Scary Happened—an incredible resource available as our thanks for your gift to Haven Ministries at haventoday.org. 

How the Church is Responding After Hurricane Milton & Helene

While Hurricane Milton was "not as bad as it could have been," it doesn’t feel that way for millions picking up the pieces following the widespread devastation left behind by deadly tornadoes, 1-in-1,000 year rainfall in St. Petersburg, and a path across Florida primed for maximum destruction. This being the second historic hurricane hitting the area in two weeks.

Meanwhile, wounds are still fresh throughout the Southeast, especially in Asheville, North Carolina. National relief agencies are doing their part, but it's often the churches who offer help and hope in the beginning, as well as down the road—long after those agencies pack up and leave town.

David Wollen traveled to Florida where the most recent hurricane made landfall in order to see how the church is response firsthand. What he found astonished him. Today's episode of the Great Stories podcast is a travelog of what David saw while he was there, including conversations with Christians helping in the aftermath. 

Learn how you, too, can make a difference following Hurricane Milton and Helene at haventoday.org. 

Shane and Shane on the Worship Songs that Shaped Them

When you think about the good ol’ days, what comes to mind? Most think back to childhood when we were just beginning to understand the world and our place in it. And if you were a Christian in the 80's and 90's, you probably remember worshiping the Lord at that time to songs like “Draw Me Close,” “As the Deer,” and “Lord I Lift Your Name on High.” Turns out, these songs made a deep impact on Shane and Shane, too.

On today's episode of the great stories podcast, David Wollen speaks with the musical duo Shane and Shane about this time in worship music history. When you listen, you'll hear their backstories, the influence these now-retro songs made on their young lives of faith, and how they meticulously created the album Vintage during the pandemic using a guitar and household items as instruments. 

Danny Rojas on the Current State of Christianity in Cuba

Nearly one million people have fled Cuba since 2022, leading to a population drop of about 10%. The technical term for this is "demographic depletion" and it's a catastrophic hit to those left behind who already struggle with basics like food, water, medicine, and hope. 

On today's episode of the Great Storie podcast, David Wollen is joined by American-Cuban broadcast host Danny Rojas to talk about hope for the people of Cuba through Haven's daily Christian podcast and radio program: El Faro de Redención. This multi-media ministry fills a unique void in the area as the only Christian radio program made for Cubans by Cubans—reaching every corner of the island with biblical content leading listeners to Christ each day.

Interested in partnering with this ministry to Cuba? Visit haventoday.org to learn more.

Kristen Wetherell on Finding God's Purpose and Goodness in Suffering

When it comes to suffering, the question isn’t if, but when. On this side of eternity, the pain of grief and loss are simply a part of life. And yet God often uses these hard moments to bring about perseverance, character, and hope. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by Kristen Wetherell who co-rote the book Hope When it Hurts. A wise and mature follower of Jesus, Kristen shares some very practical and specific encouragement to help any Christian going through a time of suffering. Whether you are enduring something slight or great, the truths discussed in this episode will help you see Christ and give you hope.

Dr. Don Whitney Discusses Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Have you ever read the Bible and almost immediately forgotten what you just read on the page? The problem may not be memory, but method. Dr. Don Whitney, professor and author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, has candid advice for people approaching Scripture: “Read less, meditate more.”

Though it may sound counterproductive, this approach for absorbing God's Word is a critical step toward spiritual growth. To read Scripture is one thing, but to retain it in a way that fills and changes you is quite another. And yet this is just one of the several spiritual disciplines that help believers draw nearer to Jesus. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Don Whitney and David Wollen discuss disciplines such as Bible reading, meditating, prayer, fasting, and other biblical practices for the purpose of godliness. Practical and grace-filled, we pray this conversation will inspire you to make spiritual disciplines a daily part of your Christian life. 

Dr. Carl Trueman on the Strange New World We’re Living In, How We Got Here, and How the Church Can Respond

Over the past few decades, culture has shifted so rapidly that young people are growing up in a world that would be incomprehensible to someone living even just one generation ago. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Christian author and philosopher Dr. Carl Trueman sheds light on what's happening in this strange new world we're living in, how we got here, and what the church can do to respond. 

When you listen in to this conversation between Dr. Trueman and David Wollen, you'll gain a better understanding of the many cultural viewpoints that are shaping modern society. It's a significant topic for each of us to consider as an increasing number of people are struggling to reconcile their Christian beliefs with the culture at large. Rather than digging a foxhole, it's important for followers of Christ to understand these cultural shifts in order to engage others with the truth of God's Word.

As our thanks for your gift to Haven Today—the ministry that produces this podcast—we'd love to send you a copy of Dr. Carl Trueman's book Strange New World. One of the most important Christian books written in the last decade, we are confident this resource will help you gain a better understanding of the most perplexing issues of our day. Visit haventoday.org to learn more.