Great Stories by Haven Today

Fernando Ortega Wants You to Slow Down and Worship (repost)

Too many of us live each day under the tyranny of the urgent. Not only is this frenetic pace of the 21st century unsustainable, it’s not the way God intended you to live.

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Fernando Ortega joins Charles Morris to discuss slowing things down and making time for God in our daily lives. At the time this interview was recorded, "Shadow of Your Wings" was a newly released album. While this conversation explores some of the songs on this album, Charles and Fernando also talk about how worship extends beyond what we sing on Sunday. The question is, who — or what — do you worship?

Miriam Rockness on the Life, Art, and Faith of Lilias Trotter

What is truly worth living and dying for? For Lilias Trotter, this question led her to consider two diverging paths. Would she turn her back on a promising future as one of the greatest artists in the Victorian era? Or embrace relative obscurity in service to her Lord? Lilias Trotter chose the latter, and it defined her legacy that—until recently—was all but lost to history.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by Miriam Rockness—a woman who has devoted three decades of her life to researching this little-known artist and missionary. It's in large part thanks to Miriam's diligent work that we can now learn Lilias Trotter's incredible story. When you listen today, you'll hear how this multi-decade journey came about, as well as how Miriam learned that the best life is one that is surrendered to Christ with no reservations, caveats, or holdbacks.

For your gift to Haven Ministries, you can dig deeper into Lilias Trotter's captivating story through the DVD Many Beautiful Things: The Life and Vision of Lilias Trotter. Make your gift to receive your copy at haventoday.org.

Three Widows Talk About Loss, Grief, Faith, and Friendship

What do you do when the unthinkable happens? When your faith is tested and you are confronted with your greatest fears? On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen speaks with three widows who know this grief well. They all lost their husbands around the same time, but then they found each other. 

In their church community, Cherrie, Linda, and Susan are known collectively as "The Strand of Three." Each of their testimonies are unique, but together they also have a shared testimony of loss, grief, and the Lord's unending mercies. It's a touching conversation that we pray will give you hope and encouragement for your own dark valleys.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Talks Faith and Preparation for the Olympics

At the age of 16, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was the youngest U.S. track and field athlete to compete in the Olympics since 1972. Eight years later, she's broken the world record in the 400 meter hurdles five times and won two Olympic gold medals—yet, by the time listeners tune in, these stats may already be out of date.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is partnering with Jason Romano from Sports Spectrum by sharing a conversation he had with Sydney earlier this year where they talked about preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the release of Sydney's new book about her life and faith called Far Beyond Gold.

The Life and Legacy of Eric Liddell (feat. his granddaughter Patricia Russell)

Known as the Flying Scotsman, Eric Liddell had high Olympic hopes. But he also wouldn’t run on Sunday … even if that meant missing out on a gold medal for himself and his country. What happened next stunned the world. 

100 years after his historic race and stand for his faith at the Paris 1924 Olympics, the games have returned to Paris and Eric Liddell's story is just as relevant as ever.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen reflects on Eric's life as an athlete and, more importantly, as a Christian. Eric's granddaughter, Patricia Russell, makes an appearance. You'll also get to learn more about the lesser-known, but no less incredible, parts of Eric's story following the Olympics, as well as the sacrifice he made before his death in a prison camp. 

Steve Richardson Tells the Story Behind "Peace Child"

In 1962, Don and Carol Richardson, along with their seven-month-old baby, traveled to a remote tribe known for treachery, headhunting, and cannibalism. Eventually, after living among the people and learning their language, this tribe came to know Jesus. The dramatic story is captured in the classic "Peace Child" book and movie, but what was it like from the perspective of the Richardsons' child who saw it firsthand? 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Steve Richardson, the boy who grew up among the Sawi people, joins David Wollen to share the story behind the story, as well as what it's like among the Sawi people today—more than a half century later.

Dr. Ed Welch on the Tug-of-War Between Fear of Man and Fear of God

We’ve all been there. Peer pressure, desire for acceptance, fear of rejection. These aren't just issues for teenagers in the lunchroom. From young adulthood into old age, these struggles are still an issue for many of us. The Bible calls it fear of man and demonstrates it against the backdrop of fear of God.

Ultimately, they cannot coexist.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by Dr. Ed Welch to discuss these common struggles. Using his book When People are Big and God is Small as a launching pad for the conversation, this episode strives to help you—whether you have been aware of it up until now, or not—to grapple with the tug-of-war between fear of man and fear of God. 

Heather Davis Nelson on How Jesus Rescues Us from Our Shame

What are you ashamed of? If you're like most people, a blunt question like this has the power to resurface long-ago-buried memories of wrongdoing. It doesn't even matter whether you were caught or got away with it, shame can stay with us for many years—and yet it is too often ignored and unresolved. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen and his wife, Marci, are joined by author and counselor Heather Davis Nelson. In this conversation, they discuss the destructive force shame can have on the life of a believer, how it is as old as sin itself, and how Jesus ultimately redeems us and rescues us.

For more on how to find freedom from shame, visit haventoday.org to receive a copy of Heather's book "Unashamed" as our thanks for your gift in support of this podcast ministry. 

Charles Morris on Living with Post-Polio

"Weakness on one side, fatigue all around." Charles Morris was 18 months old when he contracted Polio. And while the Lord spared him the most debilitating parts of the disease, he's had to live with the effects ever since. Those effects only become more amplified with age.

On a special episode of the great stories podcast, David Wollen speaks with Charles Morris about what his everyday life is like with post-polio and how it reminds him of the Lord's strength when he is feeling weak. No matter what troubles and weaknesses you may be facing today, this episode will keep you looking to Jesus.

Haven Ministries 90th Anniversary Celebration

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

If you missed our live 90th anniversary celebration, no worries! You can catch all the highlights and heartwarming moments in this 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.