As an actress, Gwendolyn Briley-Strand was used to playing strong female roles—women of faith and perseverance. But playing a resilient character is far easier than being one in real life. Two rounds of cancer, including exhausting chemotherapy and radiation treatments, reinforced Gwen’s belief that she needed to turn to the healing words of the Bible for her strength.

A friend introduced Nkosi to the gospel. And because his friend was persistent in pursuing him with the message of salvation, Nkosi has a passion for sharing God’s love with the teenagers in his country. After two friends who served with him in ministry passed away, God cemented in Nkosi’s heart the desire to serve God above all else. Even when tempted by a lucrative job offer,…

Dave Dietz was a man who attended church but really didn’t understand the love of Jesus. After reading a book about truly loving God and people, his eyes were opened and he began caring for people and restoring relationships. Other traumatic events—a job layoff and serious car accident—also changed his outlook.

Although she’s had a successful career in the Christian music world, Nicol Sponberg’s most important job title is mom. That role for her has come with many blessings, but also with tremendous heartache.

Angel believed the lies the world told her. She felt worthless and ugly. Her life became a swirling mess of men, booze, and drugs until one day she cried out to God, “Kill me or save me. But don’t let me live like this anymore.”

A serious car crash and one month in a coma changed the course of Russ Shadron’s life. This wake-up call took him from a life of selfishness and partying to a life of gratefulness and understanding.

Walk with Marilyn Hontz as she describes how she went from the burden of shame from a childhood incident of sexual abuse to complete freedom in Christ. Her perspective changed when she had a long talk with God, and she realized that Jesus also experienced deep shame on the cross.

As a professional soccer player, Brian was in top physical condition. But in an instant, a serious injury changed everything forcing him to take a year off. God used His Word to encourage Brian during those dark days, teaching him that Jesus is always interceding on our behalf.

Whether it’s physical or spiritual, a new heart brings new life. John was a healthy, active person until shortness of breath led to a diagnosis of an extremely rare heart disease that required a transplant. The spiritual insight of Jesus giving all who believe a “new heart” became very real to John as he awaited his physical transplant.