Great Stories by Haven Today

#163: Welcome Aboard! Meet Haven Today’s New Speaker - David Wollen

All good things must come to an end. But in Christ, there are always new beginnings. On today’s episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris introduces Haven Today’s new speaker and president, David Wollen. It’s been almost 25 years now since Charles became the fourth speaker of Haven Today, and as he “goes emeritus,” Charles will still co-host the program with David for a short season. So, join them for a great discussion about Haven’s past, present, and future, and learn more about the work of Christ in David’s life.

#162: Dr. Donald Brake on the Mysterious Beginnings of the King James Bible (repost)

A lot can happen in four centuries. Technologies have skyrocketed, new nations have formed, and yet one book has changed very little in as much time . . . the King James Bible.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris returns to a conversation he had with Dr. Donald Brake in 2011 — the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. They discuss how this longstanding Bible translation revolutionized the English-speaking world by exploring the KJV's mysterious beginnings, the men who translated it, and its incredible impact for many generations. 

Dr. Brake is an authority on the history of the Bible and has been an avid collector of rare Bibles and manuscripts for more than thirty years. His is one of the most complete private collections of rare English Bibles and Greek New Testaments in North America. He served as President of Jerusalem University College and Vice President and Dean of Multnomah Biblical Seminary.

Even if it’s been years since you’ve read the King James Bible, this episode on the fascinating history of the English language’s longest-running Scripture translation is something every Christian should consider. 

#161: Corrie ten Boom’s Story — Told By Her Longtime Assistant (repost)

You may have heard Corrie ten Boom’s story before. Maybe you read her book The Hiding Place, or even saw the 1975 film adaptation. But you may never have heard it quite like this. Several years ago, Charles Morris got on the phone with Corrie’s longtime companion and assistant Pamela Rosewell Moore to hear from someone who knew her well. 

Pamela worked for several years with the team of Brother Andrew ("God's Smuggler") in the Netherlands, before accompanying Corrie to America. As Corrie reached the end of her life, Pam served as a nurse and companion until her death in 1983. 

In this episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Pamela takes us back to the beginning and walks us through Corrie’s story from start to finish. You’ll also hear excerpts from Corrie herself talking about how the Lord brought her through her darkest moments. Whatever trials you might be facing today, it is our prayer that this conversation will help you cling to the Lord who will never leave you nor forsake you.

#160: When Christmas Comes Again | A Haven Today Christmas Special (repost)

Christmas is a time for us to celebrate Immanuel: God with us. But this isn't limited to a single event in history — because Jesus didn't just make a one-time visit to Earth. The first Christmas also looks forward to that final day when he will come again and make all things new. 

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris returns to a Christmas special from 2018 where he spends time helping us visualize the full scope of the incarnation — God with us then, God with us now, and God with us in the time to come. He'll also be joined by special guests Nancy Guthrie and Rosaria Butterfield to take discuss the the classic Christmas Carol Joy to the World, as well as the importance of hospitality at Christmastime.

As you prepare your heart to celebrate the Messiah this Christmas, it is our prayer that we all will take the time to meaningfully celebrate Christ's birth while also looking forward to when Christmas comes again.

#159: 5 Modern Christmas Stories That Point to Jesus

Christmas is usually a time when we look back on stories of ages past. Think of classic tales like A Christmas Carol or the Night Before Christmas or even It’s a Wonderful Life. But what about some extraordinary Christmas stories that we don’t often get to hear. Stories from ordinary people, like you and me, that help us see Christ in Christmas? That’s what this episode of the Great Stories Podcast is all about. These "Christmas Nuggets" (as Charles has been calling them) whisper the name of someone you and I both know and love and we talk a lot about this time of year. And here's a hint; his name isn’t Santa Claus. These are exactly the kinds of conversations we need to hear at Christmas … because they never fail to remind me of my Savior and what he came to do on that first Christmas.

#158: Haven Christmas Special - Jesus Has Come to Our World

As winter sets in, so does the darkness. The sun sets earlier and rises later. It's also when we celebrate the moment Jesus came into the world as a light in the darkness to redeem his people. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris returns to a Christmas special we aired on Haven Today ten years ago. When you listen, you'll hear how the Old Testament people of God looked forward to the promises of a coming king who would free them from their sins. You'll also have a chance to reflect on how the people of God today can look forward to the Christ's return when he will make all things new. 

As we approach Christmas this year, it is our prayer this episode would help you anticipate the celebration of the birth of Christ, as we also look forward to his future return. 

#157: Tyler Van Halteren on Sharing God’s Word with Children

There’s no shortage of kingdoms in children’s movies and books, and yet all of them pale in comparison to the Kingdom of God. But then why is it so often difficult to teach our kids that all of life and all of Scripture points to our one true king? Storybook author Tyler Van Halteren has some thoughts about how we can help the children our lives become more engaged in God's Word.

Tyler Van Halteren is the author of the new Kingdom of God Bible Storybook. You might also recognize him for his work on the popular storybook adaptations of Pilgrim's Progress called Little Pilgrim's Big Journey. On today’s episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris speaks with Tyler about how some of the Bible’s most often skipped over stories are also the ones that help children and adults begin to pray “Thy Kingdom Come.”

#156: Thanksgiving with Phil Vischer and Sally-Lloyd Jones (repost)

As we prepare for another Thanksgiving in the US, Charles Morris is returning to two conversations he had with two special people who have done tremendous work in helping children learn about Jesus: Sally Lloyd-Jones, bestselling author of the Jesus Storybook Bible, and Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales, the What’s in the Bible? DVD series, and the new Laugh and Grow Study Bible. 

In this episode that originally aired in 2020, Sally and Phil talk about the history of Thanksgiving and what it means to them. Rather than celebrating the gift of food and excess, they challenge us to draw our attention to something greater … the gift of knowing Jesus. 

Though these interviews were recorded well before entering a pandemic, the message of giving thanks to the Lord in good times and bad is especially poignant as travel and safety restrictions hinder the opportunity for families to get together this year.

#155: Andraé Crouch: Stories and Songs from the Father of Modern American Gospel Music (Repost)

You may not know his name but you’ve definitely heard and sung along to his music. Known as the father of modern gospel, Andraé Crouch won seven grammies and had a profound influence on the music industry.

Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard are just a few household names who covered some of the several hundred gospel songs Andraé wrote in his lifetime. He worked with Michael Jackson and Modonna, and arranged music for The Lion King and The Color Purple.

But more than all of these accolades, Andraé Crouch loved Jesus. He went home to be with the Lord in 2015, but you can get to know him today when you listen to this musical episode of the Great Stories podcast as Charles and Andraé sit around a Steinway piano to stories and the tune of some of his most powerful music. You won’t want to miss this classic conversation from the Haven Today archive.

#154: Jon Erwin on Faith, His Movies, and the Future of Christian Filmmaking

Jon Erwin is 1/2 of the Erwin Brothers, a two-person team of Christian Filmmakers committed to telling profound and Christ-honoring stories in cinema. You may have seen one of their movies: “Woodlawn,” “I Can Only Imagine,” or their newest project “Johnny Cash: The Redemption of An American Icon.”

In this interview, Jon discusses the story behind some Erwin Brothers movies, his hopes for the future of Christian filmmaking, and the vital role Jesus plays in his life and work.