“It was devastating for me to leave knowing that was the plan I had for my life. God has rescued us from things we couldn’t have predicted.”

- Megan Schell

When Justin met Megan, they were ready to take the Great Commission to the world. With the desire to “GO”, and a call to missions, they assumed their lives were completely mapped out. God continued to open doors for their family, but a looming self-reliance soon turned to something much more crippling.

In this couple's testimony, we hear a story about obedience, and a journey from self-reliance to a faith that surrenders all. Even in our obedience to answering the call on our lives, do we sometimes aim to take that same obedience into our own hands? When self-reliance produces a crippling anxiety, what will happen to everyone that you are responsible for? If independence and self-reliance becomes toxic, will God in His goodness still provide for you - pave the way for you before you get there? Then there’s the biggest question yet; even if you do nothing at all, does God still love you?

“Prayer is very strong - a very powerful thing that affects lives. Just how it does, now that I don’t know."

- Warren Good

From a young age, Warren Good walked closely with the Lord. He aimed to live righteously, and looked to the Lord for guidance. Eventually, Warren enlisted in the military. Even in the military, his life looked different, and people noticed. It was clear Warren was in the world, but not of the world. Then, things took an interesting turn when Warren lived to testify not one - not two - but three near death experiences.

Throughout these experiences, Warren realized that even though he may not know what was happening, God knew. Ultimately, he had to put his trust in God. Warren's testimony takes us through lessons about prayer, blessings, and provision. If God is directing, does he have a reason? Is it our job to understand, or simply obey?

“If we pray according to His will, He hears our prayers. He answers our prayers.”

- Robert Devadhas

As Christians in a Hindu country, Robert and Joy began their prayer life simply because they enjoyed being in God’s presence so much. Little did they know, God would show His favor toward them and their faith in miraculous ways.

“I remember just being absolutely broken over my sin, and that I could find myself in this place again.”

- Zach Dietz

Zach and Shanna Dietz are not strangers to the physical, emotional, and spiritual battles of this broken world. However, their story began as many do; happy - perfect - a picture of the all-American family.

This story serves as a reminder that none of us are immune from the catastrophic results from mind-consuming sin. Hidden sin can play nice for a little while, but eventually, it will wreck you and everyone around you.

When your sin absolutely breaks you and the person you love most in the world, do you dare turn to Jesus in your darkest hour? How do you guard your heart, your mind, your spirit? Can your relationship with those around you be restored? In this episode, we hear the story of how our guest was faced with the Truth - only Jesus can save you from your sin - and He’ll do it again, and again, and again.

“When we get to where the Lord wants us to go, and we turn around and look, the path is so clear.”

- Joy Gabbert

In our season opening episode, we hear from our podcast hosts, the couple bringing you ‘The Grove Podcast’, Andrew and Joy Gabbert.

What happens when you find yourself battling lies from the enemy? How do we contain the spiral of self-doubt? If there’s one thing we’ve learned from each guest so far, it's that things are never quite as they seem.

In this episode, we hear the story of our hosts finding faith, battling sin and temptation, betrayal, strength, self doubt, and the journey towards leaning on Jesus in a personal and intimate way.

Despite the human trials in this testimony, we witness the Truth. God is personal. God is sovereign over all things. God always works on purpose; on both the mountaintops, and in the valley.

For our season finale, our podcast host, Joy Gabbert, joins a table talk discussion featuring Kailey Carter and Stephanie Eckman with returning guests Monica Allen and Olivia Watkins.

Each of these women found themselves faced with circumstances that left them feeling hopeless, which led them to a quick decision bringing them to a place they never imagined. Join us for one of our most intense episodes yet as you witness first hand healing, redemption, encouragement, celebration, sisterhood, and most importantly - Jesus working in the lives of His people.

For Nigel and Monica Allen, it was love at first sight. In fact, it seemed as if they met at just the right time. Both with very different backgrounds, they met amidst a time of healing. With Nigel escaping a traumatic upbringing, and Monica facing some dark decisions in her past, they discovered unconditional love in each other when they needed it most.

Surely the worst part was over. This was their happily ever after. That is, until one of them discovered a real, unconditional love in an unexpected way. What if your beautiful love story all of a sudden has a different chapter? What if your love song has the other reading from a different sheet of music entirely? Would your marriage survive? This episode features a wife who finds strength in Christ even in pain, through promises, and 24 years of a persevering prayer all to witness the forging of a mighty man of God?

After experiencing trials and pain starting as early as birth, joy was simply not something Olivia Watkins was too familiar with. Sure she grew up in church surrounded by loving people, but in other areas of her upbringing, joy was not her song.

After walking through trials and addictions that eventually led to an abortion, Olivia felt she had no way out. Her outlook on the value of life - including her own - felt hopeless. What if you believe that Jesus is mad at you because of all of the awful and terrible things you’ve done? If Jesus is perfect, how can He possibly see you? Or, what if you’re confronted with the real, life-altering Truth?

Listen to an incredible testimony filled with Christ-led sanctification, the breaking of chains, and an experience of Jesus putting joy back in song.

You can find more from Olivia and her music here:

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/o-joy/1644575963

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/wrapped/share/share-d22372abc60a4e459c558b65a679cc7e?si=QQgBbJUgTZOCe0oeQCZMFQ&artist-id=6JA4oK7PYSyc8ETusqVy7j