Great Stories by Haven Today

Dr. Gregg Quiggle on the Impactful Life of D. L. Moody

His name is connected to a Bible college, a publishing house, and a radio network. But D. L. Moody was not a businessman. He was an evangelist who loved many of the people no one else did. You may think you know his story, but there's more to this 19th century follower of Christ than meets the eye.

On this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Dr. Gregg Quiggle—a former professor at Moody Bible Institute and the author of a recent biography on Dwight Lyman Moody—joins David Wollen to discuss this remarkable evangelist of the late 1800s. Moody's life and ministry continues to make a profound impact around the world today, but the path he took to get there is even more astonishing. 

Sally Lloyd-Jones on How Children Find Hope

We all have the tendency to look back at our childhood with rose-colored glasses. Decades later, we fail to remember the challenges we faced, even as our children face even greater challenges today. The world they are inheriting often feels hopeless, but that doesn't mean they have to live without hope.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by bestselling children's book author Sally Lloyd-Jones to discuss how children can find hope in the midst of their own challenging circumstances. It's a fascinating conversation filled with stories and the kinds of insights into God's Word that children—and grownups—can believe in and latch onto.

Steve DeWitt on the Highs and Lows of Loneliness

Is there a sweetness or a blessing offered in the valley of loneliness? Steve DeWitt believes that there absolutely is, and he knows this from experience. 

For years, DeWitt was the only never married megachurch pastor in the United States. This put him in proximity to thousands of people, yet he lived his daily life alone. Over some 8,000 days as an adult single, and now eleven years of marriage, Pastor Steve has a unique perspective on solitude and aloneness.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, he joins David Wollen to discuss this unique perspective on how loneliness doesn’t necessarily have to be our enemy. It can actually become the path God uses to draw us nearer to Christ.

Jeremy Walker on the Life and Legacy of Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon didn’t go to college or seminary, yet his legacy continues to influence Christians more than a century after his death. Endearingly known as the "prince of preachers," his sermons have become a gold standard for scholars, pastors, and students of the Word today. 

On today's episode of the great stories podcast, pastor Jeremy Walker joins David Wollen from south of London for a conversation about how Charles Spurgeon became such a towering figure in the church and why he is a person every Christian should know.

Charles Simeon is a Christian You Should Know

Charles Simeon was a man who believed in the power of God’s Word and preached it in a time when the Gospel was rarely heard from pulpits. His ministry may have taken place 200 years ago, but his story deserves to be told and retold today. 

On this episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by Randall Gruendyke to discuss the impact God made through the life and ministry of Charles Simeon. By the end of this episode, you'll discover why this historical giant of the faith is a person every Christian should know. 

David & Marci Wollen on How Psalm 46 Can Help You Face Life's Storms

“Be still.” When uttered by the voice of God, these two simple words have incredible power. Before Jesus spoke them to a raging storm, the voice of God said “Be still” in Psalm 46. They speak comfort and peace into whatever trials you may be facing in life.

 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by his wife, Marci, to discuss how Psalm 46 points to the Savior who sees us through the raging storm—sometimes by calming the winds, other times by calming us. The Lord who speaks to the wind and says, “Peace, be still,” speaks the same to our hearts when we come before Him.

Dr. Timothy & Julie Tennent on How to Take a Meditative Journey Through the Psalms

The beginning of January is the one time of year when almost everyone wants to recalibrate their lives. For Christians wanting a fresh start, there is no substitute for daily time in God’s Word. And—while all of God’s Word is important and vital nourishment for our souls—today's guests on the Great Stories podcast have a unique suggestion for you to let 2025 be the year you take a meditative journey through the Psalms.

Dr. Timothy and Julie Tennent are the husband/wife team who wrote a devotional companion book to the Psalms called A Meditative Journey Through the Psalms, which you can request at haventoday.org as our thanks for your gift to Haven Ministries. On today's episode, they discuss their approach to meditating through the Psalms, as well how you can find Jesus in this central book of the Old Testament.

Timothy served as the President of Asbury Theological Seminary for 15 years, and is currently the Methodist Chair of Divinity, and Professor of World Christianity, at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. Julie is a pianist and composer with a particular interest in the intersection of music and theology, as well as the rejuvenation of psalm singing in the worship of the church.

Haven Ministries 90th Anniversary Celebration (repost)

Did you know Haven Ministries is celebrating 90 incredible years of ministry?

If you missed our live 90th anniversary celebration earlier in 2024, no worries! You can catch all the highlights and heartwarming moments in this reposted episode of the Great Stories podcast. Be encouraged as David Wollen, Charles Morris, Joni Eareckson Tada, and more reflect on Haven’s rich history of sharing the gospel for 90 years … and counting! 

Watch the video version of this episode on Haven's blog at haventoday.org.

Charles Morris: Christmas Through the Eyes of Isaiah

Christmas isn’t just a New Testament holiday. So much of what we read in Luke’s Gospel comes from the Old Testament. Long before Mary gave birth, Isaiah was heralding the coming of Christ. 

On this special episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen passes the mic back to Charles Morris to revisit a classic Christmas message from 2015. May it help you anticipate the Messiah with the same Scriptures Israel would have had more than 2,000 years ago.

Christmas Around the World: How Christians are Celebrating in Ukraine and Mongolia

Since Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Christ, we thought it would be a blessing to connect with Christians in various places to hear what the Lord is doing and how they celebrate Christmas. To accomplish this, you'll hear from friends serving overseas with Haven's sister ministry Far East Broadcasting Company (also known as FEBC).

First we go to Kyiv, Ukraine, to speak with Ed Cannon, president of FEBC, and Victor Akhterov, who is himself Ukrainian and the director of the entire Eurasia side of the ministry. They give an update on what it has been like to do evangelistic broadcasting during a time of war and how Ukrainians are celebrating Christmas this year. 

After that, we'll hop over to the other side of Asia and land in Ulaanbatar, Mongolia, to hear from Batjarbal Tuvshinsengal, who happens to be one of the first ten Mongolians to come to Christ in the entire country. It’s an amazing story of ongoing evangelism where Christmas plays a huge role.