Great Stories by Haven Today

Tim and Kathy Keller Define Marriage for Christians, Skeptics, Couples, and Singles

How do you have a successful marriage? Whether you are a Christian, skeptic, single, longtime married person, or someone about to be engaged—there are many different ways to answer this question. And yet Tim and Kathy Keller argue that the Bible’s vision for marriage is far greater and more glorious than anything our modern culture would have us believe.

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris revisits a conversation from the archives with his old friends Tim and Kathy Keller. Their book, The Meaning of Marriage, serves as a launching off point for this in-depth conversation that covers the gamut of what marriage really means from the Lord’s perspective.

Juana Mikels Offers Hope for Broken Marriages (repost)

One of the saddest statistics about marriage is its bleak success rate in the western world. Even in the church, marriages end at an alarmingly high percentage. But on today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris turns the tables on this narrative by sharing a story of a marriage that ended ... only to be redeemed later down the road. 

Recorded in 2015, Juana Mikels (author of Choosing Him All Over Again) tells Charles Morris about how she reached a point where she was unhappy with her life, and so she decided to leave her husband, house, and friends to search for happiness. Instead of finding a new Mr. Right, she found Jesus. But what happened next? Would her husband take her back? Listen in to hear this incredible story of how Christ’s love can transform the way we love each other.

Joni Eareckson Tada Wants You to Experience the Presence of Jesus

Where is Jesus when you need Him most? Whether it’s a chronic condition or a tragic accident, even believers find themselves ill-equipped to handle the myriad of afflictions that often catch us by surprise. That’s why it’s so important to learn now from those who have come before us, people like Joni Eareckson Tada who discovered just how essential it is to practice daily closeness with Christ.

“Suffering has a way of heaving you beyond the shallows of life where your faith tends to feel ankle-deep. It casts you out into the fathomless depths of God, a place where Jesus is the only One who can touch bottom.” —Joni Eareckson Tada, The Practice of the Presence of Jesus

In this conversation with Charles Morris and David Wollen, Joni discusses the many ways she experiences the presence of Jesus in her own daily life—even when overwhelmed with pain and fatigue. Whatever you may be going through right now, we pray this conversation will help you discover new ways to experience Christ daily, even when He seems far away.

Haven’s New President: LIVE Q&A with Charles Morris and David Wollen

This month, Haven Ministries announced its biggest leadership transition in 25 years with Charles Morris "going emeritus" and David Wollen taking up the torch as the fifth president and host in this ministry's 90 year history. On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, you'll get to hear a recent conversation they had while taking listener questions over ZOOM. 

Recorded live on January 17, 2024, this captivating event provided a unique opportunity for Haven's community to delve into David Wollen’s passion for ministry, his deep connection with Haven, and his fervent desire to keep sharing the great story that is all about Jesus.

David Brickner on Sharing the Gospel with Jews During Israel-Gaza War

War between Israel and Hamas have dominated the headlines for months. And yet news about what Christ is doing, even in the midst of great suffering and conflict, is often overlooked. Here to talk about it, as well as how modern Jews are discovering Christ in Old Testament Scriptures, is the Executive Director of Jews for Jesus, David Brickner.

Three months have now passed since Hamas invaded Israel, sparking a war that continues to rage on today. Following that initial attack, Haven listeners responded by sending more than $200,000 directly to Israel to provide help and hope through Jews for Jesus. On today's episode, David Brickner will also offer updates from the field on how this support has been used to feed Israelis — both physically and spiritually.

#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.