Great Stories with Charles Morris

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.

It all started on an early foggy morning in 1934, when Paul Myers, a former Los Angeles radio personality and station manager of leading radio stations woke up near a wharf in San Diego. Hungover, he heard the sound of a ship's bell ring out eight times at 4:00 a.m., signaling “all's well.” Only one month later, Myers would be back on the radio, but this time, sharing his newfound faith in Jesus. What happened in between is the extraordinary story of how Myers would go on to found a Christian radio program that continues till this day. At that point, it was called “Haven of Rest,” and Paul Myers would endearingly become known as First Mate Bob. Now, 90 years later, that ministry is called Haven Today — the very same ministry publishing this podcast. Hear Paul Myers tell this story in his own words. It's also our story here at Haven Ministries. We pray this episode will serve as a reminder that the Lord is in the business of redeeming sinners and using them to go on to do great things for the Kingdom. 

God speaks powerfully through the books of the Bible. This is especially true in the Psalms. Not only does it include words to help us express our deepest thoughts and emotions to the Lord, it can also direct our worship and draw us nearer to Jesus. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by one of his good friends and mentors, Dr. David Sunday. After serving 30 years as a pastor, Dr. Sunday is now the president of WordPartners, a ministry that exists to train pastors to teach God's Word with God's heart. In this conversation, Dr. Sunday shares how the Psalms teach us to lament, repent, praise, and thank—all while pointing to Jesus and giving us a path to flee to Him for refuge. 

How can all the Bible be all about Jesus when His name doesn't explicitly appear till the New Testament? From Genesis to Leviticus to Esther, it may be hard to see Jesus on the surface of every page, but he's there—in profound and subtle ways. Dr. Dennis Johnson is a scholar and one of the founding faculty members of Westminster Seminary in California. Today, he joins David Wollen to discuss a christocentric approach to reading and studying God's Word. If you are new to this way of reading the Bible, we encourage you to be patient. It may take some time to learn to see Jesus on every page, but it's important and worth the effort. Because this is not merely a hermeneutical trick of smoke and mirrors ... it's the way Jesus himself taught his disciples to study and teach the Scriptures. 

The data is clear. Our world and culture are shaping our kids in ways that are often difficult to detect. For parents and grandparents, the natural reaction might be to shield them from danger—but this tactic in isolation may end up doing more harm than good. So, what's a well-meaning caregiver to do? On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen speaks with Julie Lowe. A licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a registered play therapist supervisor, Julie has over 20 years of experience helping children, teens, and families work through difficult issues. In this conversation, she provides practical, biblical help that, in many ways, runs counter-intuitive to the culture we live in. For many, this episode may serve as a wake up call regarding the types of dangers and issues children and young people are facing every day. As a thank you for your support of this podcast by Haven Today, we'd love to send you a copy of Julie's recently published book Safeguards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping Our Kids. To learn more, visit haventoday.org

A lot has been said about C.S. Lewis the writer, the professor, the theologian, the apologist. But what about C.S. Lewis the friend? Joseph Kohm has written extensively about the surprising, yet tragic, friendship between Lewis and his childhood pal, Arthur Greeves. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Kohm joins David Wollen to discuss how Lewis considered friendship to be the chief source of happiness—and his friendship with Greeves lasted for half a century. This conversation also covers Lewis' life story, the unique approach he took to defending Christianity, and how his words continue to speak to us in our modern world. Whether you are a longtime fan of Lewis' writing or you're just wanting to learn more about his life and work, this conversation will likely shed new light on one of Christianity's most beloved writers.   

Arguably, C.S. Lewis is one of the most quoted people from the 20th century. He died 60 years ago, and yet so many of his thoughts are timeless. His books, essays, and even the children's stories seem prescient, even for our world today. Lewis was a brilliant intellectual whose apologetic approaches to the truth claims of Christ and the Gospel have helped bring countless people to faith.  So that's why its surprising to learn that CS Lewis, by his own admission, fought tooth and nail against becoming a Christian. His commitment to academic and intellectual integrity forced him to continue to reexamine the truth claims of the Bible and, inch by inch he drew closer until finally … he was a Christian. So much so that he once described himself as the most reluctant convert.  On this episode of Great Stories, we'll be joined by award winning actor, Max McClean, who plays CS Lewis in the film called The Most Reluctant Convert. Max will share about the incredible movie he made about Lewis and his conversion from atheism to a follower of Christ. It's a powerful story that you need to hear because it reminds us that no one is too far from Jesus.

Recent polls show that nearly a third living in the United States today are struggling with depression. How many others are suffering silently would surely push that number higher? And, experts say, it's women who have the higher prevalence of depression—due to a variety of social and biological factors.  On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen talks with Christine Chappell. She's an author, a biblical counselor, and a podcaster, and a mother. But she was shocked a few years ago to find herself battling depression even when life seemed to be going well.  On this episode, Christine shares her story and what she learned about how Jesus draws near to those who are struggling with depression and all sorts of mental health issues. 

Charles Morris took over as speaker and president of the historic Haven of Rest radio broadcast at the turn of the millennium. For a quarter century, Charles Morris has often quoted Ray Ortlund in likening the production of a daily radio broadcast to a freight train — it doesn't stop until you get off.  On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen shares the recording of Charles Morris' final day on the air. In a conversation between friends, we pay tribute to Charles as he crosses the finish line with one final program to say "well done" to our good friend and brother. 

Many are worried about the next generation. Will Gen Z and Millennials follow Jesus? And how do we pray for them? On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen meets up with Blake Glosson and Kassie McDowell, two young Christians who help answer these questions and more. If you've ever been concerned about how the church can reach young people with the gospel, this episode is for you. When you listen in, you will not only gain insight into how Gen Z and Millennials go about faith, but you will also find words to pray and be filled with hope that God is at work in the hearts of young people today. 

You see them in every church. You might have one in your family. You may even be one yourself. Prayer warriors are faithful saints who lift the needs and requests of others up to the Lord, often serving in the background. They are an invaluable part of any christian community, and we need them now more than ever. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by a man in his church that he looks up to a great deal. Horst Fiebig is an energetic octogenarian with a fervor for lifting others up in prayer, and today he offers insights from his many years of praying daily for countless souls. There is great power in prayer—far more often than we dare to believe—and so it is our hope that this conversation will inspire you to pray for the people in your life. 

Originally recorded in 2013, 50 years after the death of C.S. Lewis, Charles Morris had a conversation with Dr. Alister McGrath to shed new light on the most famous atheist-turned-Christian of the 20th century.  Dr. McGrath has written one of the most comprehensive biographies on the life of C.S. Lewis. After reading every surviving document Lewis had ever written—including recently published correspondence—Dr. McGrath challenges some of the previously held beliefs about the timing of the beloved author's shift from atheism to theism and then to Christianity. But he also paints a definitive portrait of Lewis' life as an eccentric thinker who became an inspiring, though reluctant, prophet for our times. In addition to his work at Oxford, Dr. Alister McGrath is Senior Research Fellow at Harris Manchester College, Oxford, President of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and serves as associate priest in a group of Church of England village parishes in the Cotswolds.

Can evidence and faith go hand-in-hand? When Lee Strobel was an award-winning journalist for the Chicago Tribune, he would have said ‘no.' This idea led him down a path to investigate the truth claims of Christianity. The result was life-altering. Many know his story through the bestselling book “The Case for Christ.” Today, Lee Strobel joins Charles Morris to revisit what led him to Jesus and how that reshaped the way he lives out each day. This conversation will give you hope for the atheists and agnostics in your own life who have yet to call Jesus Lord.

An atheist-turned-Christian, Russell Berger has walked the opposite path that we're seeing so many young people take today. Whether that's turning their backs on Christianity for good or adopting a progressive version of the gospel, Russell's story is a helpful reminder that God is in the business of saving His lost sheep. On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast by Haven Today, Russell shares how the Lord plucked him from the hopelessness of atheism and brought him into the family of God. You may recognize him as a former senior executive with CrossFit, host of the Defend and Confirm Podcast, or as a featured guest in the American Gospel film series.

Alisa Childers is a former CCM recording artist with the Dove award-winning group ZOEgirl. But once she came off the road in her mid-thirties, she suffered a crisis of faith. The source of her newfound uncertainty and doubt? Her secretly deconstructing pastor.  On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Alisa shares the story of her detour into progressive Christianity, as well as how the Lord delivered her to embrace a vibrant, rational, and informed faith that is grounded in historical Christianity. If you or a loved one is wrestling with doubt or uncertainty, we pray this conversation will help.

Scripture has been interpreted many different ways over the years, but how can you tell the difference between false gospels and the one Jesus lived and taught? On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris and David Wollen are joined by Brandon Kimber, the director and editor of American Gospel: Christ Crucified. Together, they offer a biblical response to the growing deconstruction and progressive Christianity movement in America. Brandon Kimber created the American Gospel series to take a critical look at some of the distorted, corrupted versions of the gospel circulating in western culture today. In this important and timely conversation, he discusses some of the problematic takes on Christ's crucifixion and how Christians can respond with grace and truth.

How can Christian parents and grandparents hope to disciple their children amid the struggles of everyday life? Even more, how can we use these often chaotic moments as golden opportunities to lead them to Jesus? On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris and David Wollen are joined by Christian parents, including David's wife, Marci, who share their own unique approaches to raising children to know and love Jesus. Later in the episode, Charles Morris goes on to discuss the tender subject of what to do when your child walks away from the faith. On this episode, you'll also hear from two members of the Haven Team. Tamara Chamberlain is an author, podcaster, and mother of three children with her husband, Dale. She also serves as Haven's director of project management. Troy Lamberth is a filmmaker, podcaster, pastor, co-founder of Five Solas Media, and father of three children with his wife, Melissa. He also serves as Haven's executive producer.

If we want our children and grandchildren to carry their faith into adulthood, then we ought to help them fall in love with God's Word. One of the best ways to do that is through music. And so on today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Adam Wright of The Corner Room joins us to talk about the importance of Scripture-based songs for children. What began as music Adam would write for his church and family has now become a powerful album enjoyed by countless families around the world: Remember and Proclaim: Scripture Songs for Little Ones. It's our prayer that this episode will not only inspire you to sing God's Word with your little ones, but that it would also help you cultivate an atmosphere of ministry within the home.

Death is a difficult topic. Most look upon it with fear, while others try to ignore it altogether. But one thing is certain ... it's been on people's minds more than usual lately. When Andy McQuitty received his cancer diagnosis in 2009, it felt more like a death sentence. Not only did he have cancer, but he was very likely going to die from that cancer. This set him on an intense journey through the valley of the shadow of death, and he came out on the other side with a new perspective on how Christians can live with purpose—even as we approach life's final chapter. Hear his profound insights and reflections when you listen to today's episode. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

As winter sets in, so does the darkness. The sun sets earlier and rises later. It's also when we celebrate the moment Jesus came into the world as a light in the darkness to redeem his people.  On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris returns to a Christmas special we aired on Haven Today ten years ago. When you listen, you'll hear how the Old Testament people of God looked forward to the promises of a coming king who would free them from their sins. You'll also have a chance to reflect on how the people of God today can look forward to the Christ's return when he will make all things new.  As we approach Christmas this year, it is our prayer this episode would help you anticipate the celebration of the birth of Christ, as we also look forward to his future return. 

There's no shortage of kingdoms in children's movies and books, and yet all of them pale in comparison to the Kingdom of God. But then why is it so often difficult to teach our kids that all of life and all of Scripture points to our one true king? Storybook author Tyler Van Halteren has some thoughts about how we can help the children our lives become more engaged in God's Word. Tyler Van Halteren is the author of the new Kingdom of God Bible Storybook. You might also recognize him for his work on the popular storybook adaptations of Pilgrim's Progress called Little Pilgrim's Big Journey. On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris speaks with Tyler about how some of the Bible's most often skipped over stories are also the ones that help children and adults begin to pray “Thy Kingdom Come.”

As we prepare for another Thanksgiving in the US, Charles Morris is returning to two conversations he had with two special people who have done tremendous work in helping children learn about Jesus: Sally Lloyd-Jones, bestselling author of the Jesus Storybook Bible, and Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales, the What's in the Bible? DVD series, and the new Laugh and Grow Study Bible.  In this episode that originally aired in 2020, Sally and Phil talk about the history of Thanksgiving and what it means to them. Rather than celebrating the gift of food and excess, they challenge us to draw our attention to something greater … the gift of knowing Jesus.  Though these interviews were recorded well before entering a pandemic, the message of giving thanks to the Lord in good times and bad is especially poignant as travel and safety restrictions hinder the opportunity for families to get together this year.

You may not know his name but you've definitely heard and sung along to his music. Known as the father of modern gospel, Andraé Crouch won seven grammies and had a profound influence on the music industry. Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard are just a few household names who covered some of the several hundred gospel songs Andraé wrote in his lifetime. He worked with Michael Jackson and Modonna, and arranged music for The Lion King and The Color Purple. But more than all of these accolades, Andraé Crouch loved Jesus. He went home to be with the Lord in 2015, but you can get to know him today when you listen to this musical episode of the Great Stories podcast as Charles and Andraé sit around a Steinway piano to stories and the tune of some of his most powerful music. You won't want to miss this classic conversation from the Haven Today archive.

Jon Erwin is 1/2 of the Erwin Brothers, a two-person team of Christian Filmmakers committed to telling profound and Christ-honoring stories in cinema. You may have seen one of their movies: “Woodlawn,” “I Can Only Imagine,” or their newest project “Johnny Cash: The Redemption of An American Icon.” In this interview, Jon discusses the story behind some Erwin Brothers movies, his hopes for the future of Christian filmmaking, and the vital role Jesus plays in his life and work.

What would it be like if a classically trained actor approached Scripture reading in the same way he would Hamlet or Macbeth? The result is soul stirring. And it's exactly what Ted Staunton did to ten of the most dramatic stories of deliverance found in the Old Testament. Bringing decades of experience from the stage to a brand new Haven-produced project called Experience the Old Testament: 10 Stories of Deliverance, Ted focuses on something he loves more dearly than any of his previous scripts: God's Word. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, he discusses how he approached this unique project, what it means to him, and why reading Scripture aloud is one of the most powerful ways to experience the Word of God. 

Charles Morris recently hosted a live Zoom Holy Land briefing with the President of Jews for Jesus, David Brickner, and their country director, Eli Birnbaum, in Tel Aviv. On the call, they discussed recent events like the attack by Hamas in Israel and the hospital bombing in Gaza. They also talked about how Jews for Jesus is helping displaced people with both physical needs as well as ways they are sharing the gospel in Israel. How you can help: Haven Ministries is partnering with Jews for Jesus, the largest Christian ministry operating in Israel, who is responding to the crisis quickly by providing food, blankets, clothing, toiletries to those displaced by the invasion — all in the name of the Messiah. Visit haventoday.org to find out how you can provide help + hope today!

Israel caught by surprise. The invasion came by land, sea, and air. Bulldozers punched through the border wall making openings for fleets of terrorists on motorcycles racing to small towns along the Gaza Strip. Terrorists paragliding across, others landing by small high-speed boats. One person described it as a sea of bodies — those randomly shot and killed along the way. Hamas snatching the old, the young, the disabled, carting them back to Gaza as hostages, parading them through streets filled with cheers.  In this new episode of the Great Stories Podcast, you will first hear from pastor's wife Esther Zadok near the Gaza Border. During the conversation recorded less than 24 hours after the invasion began, she kept receiving messages from members of their church — including a marine being called up for duty and a young family who endured 15 hours in their safe room/bomb shelter as Hamas repeatedly tried to break through.  Later in the episode, you'll hear from Director of Jews for Jesus Eli Birnbaum, as well as Darya Short, a tour guide who had to help her international tour find safety in the midst of the attack. How you can help: Haven Ministries is partnering with Jews for Jesus, the largest Christian ministry operating in Israel, who is responding to the crisis quickly by providing food, blankets, clothing, toiletries to those displaced by the invasion — all in the name of the Messiah. Visit haventoday.org to find out how you can provide help + hope today!

The Screwtape Letters is C.S. Lewis' satirical book of letters where Hell is imagined as a gruesome bureaucracy and demons labor in a vast enterprise to lure and deceive humans away from the "enemy", a.k.a. God. Among Lewis' best-known works, Paul McCusker brought the source material to life when he turned it into a full-cast audio drama starring Andy Serkis as Screwtape. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, McCusker joins Charles Morris to discuss how this project came about, how he adapted a book of letters into a compelling drama, and how this story brilliantly conveys the subtleties of darkness while reinforcing a biblical perspective that leads to Jesus. Paul McCusker is an American writer and producer. He is best known for his work on the radio drama Adventures in Odyssey, and for his work with Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre, including The Screwtape Letters and The Chronicles of Narnia (Collector's Edition). He has written over 50 books, 21 plays and 4 musicals.

When's the last time you tried to memorize God's Word? The Bible teaches that there is value in hiding God's Word in our hearts, but it's an undertaking many of us don't attempt very often. The good news is that once you finally commit to memorizing Scripture, you quickly discover it's easier than you think and the benefits are endless.  On today's episode, Aaron House joins Charles Morris to discuss the benefits of memorizing Bible passages while sharing some of his best tips on getting started. As the founder and Executive Director of Piercing Word, a ministry of theatre professionals focused on performing Scripture in dramatic and musical presentations, Aaron has memorized enormous sections of God's Word, including the entire New Testament.

The Jewish High Holy Days begin at sundown mid-September with Rosh Hashanah, commemorating God's creation of man. Faithful Jews often greet each other by saying “L'shanah tovah,” which means “for a good year.” It also includes the blowing of the shofar and the eating of apples, honey, challah bread with raisons. But these days come to an end ten days later with the highest of all the high holy days: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when practicing Jews ask forgiveness for their sins against God and against their fellow human beings. Back in the Temple days, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies only on this Sabbath of Sabbaths with two sin offerings: a bull for his house and a goat for the people. The priest would then lay the sins of the people on a second goat, chosen by lot as the scapegoat and released into the wilderness. But why are these Jewish holidays important for Christians? First, it's a great reminder that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah — the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Unlike the scapegoat, the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is good for all time. Second, these holy days out of Leviticus also offer profound insight into the roots of our faith. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris is joined by three Messianic Jews who tell their stories of faith in Christ against the backdrop of the Jewish High Holy Days — all of which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Most online lists covering what children need most include things like education, good health, and self-esteem. These are all good, but something's missing . . . prayer. Yet when it comes to praying for our children in the midst of our hectic daily lives, it's often difficult to know where to start. That's where Melissa Kruger comes in.  A Christian author and mother herself, Kruger has many helpful insights on biblical ways to pray for our children — many of which are captured in her book 5 Things to Pray for Your Kids. In this episode of the Great Stories Podcast, she reminds us that our children's spiritual health comes first. She also offers tools to help the busy parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle begin praying more intentionally for the kids God has placed in our lives. 

In Europe during WWII, Ray Whipps served as an infantryman under General Patton in the trenches of Normandy, Paris, and Belgium. Betty was a field nurse in Cherbourg, France. After Ray was injured in a mortar blast, the two met and bonded over their shared faith. As Betty nursed Ray back to health, they fell in love and vowed to marry after the war. Then things went terribly wrong . . . Hear Ray and Betty introduce their remarkable story of faith and love amidst the calamities of World War II.

A lesser man would have broken. Louis Zamperini was already a national hero as an olympic athlete, but then his bomber went down in WWII, leaving him adrift for 47 days. There he faced sharks, exposure, and starvation. Finally rescued, he was then forced to face relentless torture as a prisoner of war. Today's episode recovers an interview Charles conducted with Louis Zamperini just after he turned 90. Hear Louis in his own words describe the incredible events that became a bestselling book and blockbuster movie. This fascinating conversation will keep you on the edge of your seat.

When was the last time you sat down to read a sonnet? Many of us love a good poem, but poetry is rarely ever a significant part of our lives of faith. Malcolm Guite would like to change that. Author of several books, Malcolm Guite is a Cambridge scholar, Christian theologian, pastor, and poet. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, he and Charles Morris delve deeply into how the poetry of Scripture — as well as the poetry inspired by Scripture — helps us experience Jesus and engage God's Word in profound new ways.

The Amish way of life has captured the imaginations of TV viewers and novel readers for decades. The romantic ideal of simple living within one's own community is attractive, but the one thing that's often missing is grace.  In 2014, Charles Morris traveled to Lancaster County to host an event featuring current and former Amish people who discovered grace in a world too often dictated by stringent rule-following and legalism. There are many wonderful tenants of Amish life, but today's episode focuses on a core aspect of faith that too often cultivates a sense that believers must earn their place in Heaven. Ephraim and Amanda Stoltzfus, who were also featured in the BBC documentary “Leaving Amish Paradise," discuss how they became excommunicated from their church and shunned by family and friends after joining a local Bible study and getting baptized outside of their Amish community. Jacob Dienner and Manny Zook are current members of the Amish church and talk about how they came to an understanding of grace within the Amish church.

It's the nightmare call every parent fears. For Charles and Janet Morris, the news of their son's death came on a late Summer night in 2003. Nearly five years later, they sat down to speak with friend and counselor Dr. Dan Allender for a public discussion of their son's overdose, the courage they've found in the intervening years, and the understanding they've gained that Jesus rescued their son — even through death.  Now twenty years after the incident, we are sharing this vulnerable conversation that has been a profound resource for so many who have also been touched by similar tragedy and grief. Whether you have experienced the loss of a loved one or not, we pray this episode from the Haven archives will bring you hope.

Laura Story and her husband encountered a life-threatening illness early in their marriage. She may have written the song Blessings in just thirty minutes, but she needed to go through five years of ups and downs, trials and grief, to get there. This hit song has now gone on to inspire countless Christians who have been struggling through their own trials in life. In this interview from the Haven Today archives, Laura talks about the story behind this song, as well as how she incidentally became an award winning singer-songwriter in the first place. She's appeared on Haven Today several times now, but this 2011 interview was her first time speaking with Charles Morris. It's our prayer that no matter what you may be going through today, you might experience God's blessings through this all about Jesus conversation. 

Brenton Brown is a smart and capable person. Awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study politics and philosophy at Oxford University, he would have every reason to believe himself strong enough to conquer every obstacle in life. But in 2003, both he and his wife were diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A debilitating condition, this also led him to co-write the well known praise song: Everlasting God. Brenton has worked with just about every big name in Christian music, including the Gettys, Big Daddy Weave, Stuart Townend, Chris Tomlin, and more. He was a high achieving person who's future was stifled by illness. And yet, for a man struggling through chronic fatigue, Scriptures describing an everlasting God who will not become faint or grow weary were exactly what he needed to get through the day. It turns out, we all need this everlasting God. In this episode of the Great Stories Podcast (originally recorded in 2013), you'll hear more of the story behind this song, as well as a conversation concerning the worship wars within the church. 

Do you know the story behind your favorite hymn? Whether it's Rock of Ages, Amazing Grace, or Just As I Am, each hymn has an fascinating story behind it. And it's often once you know this story that the lyrics and melody take on a whole new meaning. That's what Robert J. Morgan helps accomplish in this new episode of the Great Stories Podcast.  Robert J. Morgan pastored in Nashville, Tennessee, for 40 years and has written popular books, including Red Sea Rules and Then Sings My Soul — the latter of which is the basis for this interview. This episode covers many of the most significant hymns of the church, the story behind how they were written, and the impact they continue to have in our hearts today.

As an Orthodox Jew, Yoel Ben David was challenged to study the Old Testament in addition to the Talmud — this led to questions and more questions. By the time he got to Isaiah 53, all bets were off. It didn't take long for him to meet Jesus.  Today, Yoel serves as the training director for Jews for Jesus in Israel. On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, you'll hear how prayer, patience, and God's Word can change the course of someone's life. Recorded in 2015 shortly after terrorists killed 130 people and wounded 494 in Paris, Charles Morris also speaks to Yoel about how Christians and Jews respond to extremist groups like ISIS. 

If someone asked you to retell the life story of Peter or Paul, how would you go about it? Ray Bruce set out to do this with a documentary film crew and one of England's most beloved actors, David Suchet. Together, they followed in the footsteps of the Apostles Peter and Paul from Galilee to Jerusalem and beyond, seeking to tell the story behind two of the New Testament's most captivating figures. On this episode of the Great Stories podcast, you'll hear Ray Bruce recount what went into the research and filming of these projects, as well why he finds the lives and ministries of Peter and Paul so compelling. This podcast was originally published on June 23, 2021.