Great Stories by Haven Today

#88: Paul Goldschmidt on Living Out His Faith in Major League Baseball

First basemen for the Saint Louis Cardinals, Paul Goldschmidt (a.k.a. Goldy) might be the greatest slugger in Major League Baseball today. Already a favorite for MVP, he’s also a golden glove winner and multiple time MLB all-star player. But more than any of the achievements or accolades, Goldschmidt is a follower of Christ.

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, we’re bringing back an interview we did back 2018 when Goldschmidt played for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Listen in and discover how the only thing in Goldy’s life to match his fervor on the field is his steadfast faith in the Lord.

#87: First Mate Bob Tells the Story Behind the Haven of Rest

It all started on an early foggy morning in 1934, when Paul Myers, a former Los Angeles radio personality and station manager of leading radio stations woke up near a wharf in San Diego. Hungover, he heard the sound of a ship’s bell ring out eight times at 4:00 a.m., signaling “all’s well.”

Only one month later, Myers would be back on the radio, but this time, sharing his new-found faith in Jesus. What happened in between is the extraordinary story of how Myers would go on to found a Christian radio program that continues till this day to share the great story that’s all about Jesus. At that point, it was called “Haven of Rest,” and Paul Myers would endearingly become known as First Mate Bob. Now, that ministry is called Haven Today — the very same ministry publishing this podcast.

Hear Paul Myers tell this story in his own words. It’s also our story here at Haven Ministries. We that this will serve as a reminder that the Lord is in the business of redeeming sinners and using them to go on to do great things for the Kingdom. 

#86: John Lennox Answers the Question: ”Has Science Buried God?”

Have you ever heard it said that you have to be a fool to believe in God? John Lennox has come toe-to-toe with many of Christianity’s harshest critics, some of them colleagues at Oxford where he is a Professor of Mathematics (emeritus). Many of those critics argue that science and faith are like two ships passing in the night — John Lennox wholeheartedly disagrees. 

Charles Morris conducted this interview with Lennox at C.S. Lewis’ old home, “The Kilns,” which seemed an appropriate place to have a conversation about how those who believe in God can absolutely live and work in the world of science. It’s an inspiring conversation that proves how science and belief have more in common than meets the eye. 

#85: Max McLean on Portraying C.S. Lewis in ”The Most Reluctant Convert”

If you’ve ever listened to an audio version of the Bible, chances are you were hearing the captivating voice of Max McLean. A classically trained actor, McLean dedicates his talents for the presentation of Scripture and other Christian material. And though many may recognize his voice as the narrator of multiple translations for the Listener’s Bible, he also received great acclaim for his theatrical presentations of The Screwtape Letters, Mark's Gospel, and Genesis.

In this conversation, Charles Morris speaks with Max McLean about his experience writing, starring, and now filming his newest production: The Most Reluctant Convert. Hear what went into telling this groundbreaking story behind C.S. Lewis' long, heel-digging conversion to Christianity, along with how this film is now touching countless lives around the world.

#84 Dr. Lazarus Chakwera - Serving God as the President of Malawi

For years, Malawi has been among the handful of African countries where political corruption and questionable elections have become the norm. But this East African nation made history in 2020 when it became the first country to elect an opposition leader following the annulment of the previous election due to vote tampering. The newly elected president? Theologian-turned-politician Dr. Lazarus Chakwera. 

On this week’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris hands the microphone to ministry partner Jim Grams who recorded this interview with Dr. Chakwera before he was elected president. In this conversation, you won’t hear the typical posturing you might expect from a politician. Instead, Dr. Chakwera speaks primarily about his deep love of Jesus. 

#83: Bishop James Newcome on the Personal Faith of Queen Elizabeth

From Tom Cruise to Paddington Bear, Queen Elizabeth II had no shortage of famous guests last weekend to celebrate her 97th birthday and 70th year as the longest reigning monarch in British history. But if you look past the A-list actors and classic characters, you would find one of the Queen’s chaplains, James Newcome, the Bishop of Carlisle. 

Originally recorded in 2016 ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebration, the Rt Rev'd Newcome spoke with Charles Morris about Her Majesty's personal faith in Christ. Also known as “The Clerk of the Closet,” Newcome gives insight into how serving the ultimate King of kings informs the way the Queen lives and rules, offering a fascinating look into the spiritual life of England’s longest reigning monarch. 

#82: Catherine Butcher on the Faith of Queen Elizabeth II

The year was 1953. Queen Elizabeth II had already succeeded her father, George VI, upon his death in February the year before. On May 1, almost exactly a month before her coronation, the Queen began praying every day and reading private devotions that were specifically written for her by the Archbishop of Canterbury to help her spiritually prepare to become the figurehead of the United Kingdom. 

On today’s episode, Charles Morris speaks with Catherine Butcher who literally wrote the book on the Queen’s faith in Jesus: Our Faithful Queen. As the U.K. celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this week, we thought it would be good time for us to look at the ways Queen Elizabeth has shed light on her steadfast faith in Christ. 

#81: Unplanned: The Story Behind the Movie Hollywood Couldn’t Stop

MAY 2, 2022 — Politico released a leaked draft opinion that gave an unprecedented preview of what is likely the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This would have major implications in every state. But even as the law of the land concerning abortion is on the brink of change, what about the hearts those who support it? 

On today’s episode, Charles Morris shares an interview he did in 2019 with Carey Solomon, Chuck Konzelman, and Chris Jones, the filmmakers behind the hit movie “Unplanned.” It tells Abby Johnson’s story of how she went from the youngest Planned Parenthood director in the country to an ardent pro-life advocate. But even as the movie was gearing up for release, the project was hit with an R rating by the Motion Picture Association that the filmmakers say was an unfair attempt to keep the movie from reaching a wide audience. Find out how the Lord used this to reach many more people. 

As a bonus, you’ll also hear a short interview with the real Abby Johnson. The movie about her life story has given her a unique platform to help women and children all over the world.

#80: Chuck Colson on Going from Watergate Felon to Born Again Christian

Almost 50 years ago, to avoid impeachment, Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States. At that same time the former legal counsel to Richard Nixon had already gone to jail for his participation in the Watergate scandal. His name was Chuck Colson, and this is exactly what the Lord used to bring him to faith in Jesus Christ.

In this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Chalres Morris returns to a classic conversation he had with the late Chuck Colson about how he went from a Watergate felon to born again Christian. Listen in as Chuck shares the story behind the scandal, his conversion, and the ministry he founded to minister to prisoners and their families. 

#79: Stuart Townend on Writing Enduring Songs & Hymns for the Church

You may not know his name, but you’ve definitely sung his music. Known for writing songs like “In Christ Alone,” “How Deep the Father’s Love,” and "The Power of the Cross," Stuart Townend has given the church many modern hymns that will draw believers closer to Jesus for years and years to come. 

In this conversation, you’ll hear him discuss what goes into writing a memorable hymn that is theologically sound and has the power to resonate in the hearts of worshipers of every generation around the world.