The Stories Collective

Sarah Schalow has a lot to share with you in today's special episode! So grab your favorite coffee or tea and settle in for a heartfelt look back at this year's journey with The Stories Collective, including a personal update from Sarah and a glimpse into the future of the podcast.The episode opens with a reflection on the 17 powerful stories shared over the past five months, each one a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness. One especially moving moment came when a recent guest revealed how listening to the podcast led to real, life-changing transformation. It's been an incredible season.Earlier this year, The Stories Collective took its first break in three years. In this episode, Sarah opens up about the reasons behind that pause and how it connects to what's ahead. In the final 10 minutes, she reflects on how the podcast has grown over the past three years and the impact it's had, noting that roughly 10% of the church has now shared their story. That's a staggering picture of God's work among us, and there's still so much more to be told.While there are no plans to end The Stories Collective, the podcast will be going on an indefinite hiatus following this episode. It's not goodbye—just a pause—as Sarah steps into a new season of life, which she shares more about in the episode

Gail Hosea's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late for God to bring transformation. A lifelong Arizona resident, Gail is the sixth of eight children. While she holds on to some fond family memories, many are overshadowed by the deep pain of growing up with an abusive father. From a young age, Gail learned to hide behind emotional “masks,” concealing not only what was happening at home but also the turmoil within her own heart and mind. This is unfortunately something that she would carry into adulthood. At 18, Gail left home, and shortly afterward, her father passed away. His death brought a flood of complicated emotions, but it also became the beginning of her journey toward understanding forgiveness. At 21, she met her first husband while serving in the National Guard, and it was through attending church with him that Gail accepted Jesus as her Savior. Looking back, however, she realizes that key pieces were missing, particularly genuine discipleship and community. While she had reverence for God, her daily life wasn't centered around Him. Instead, she filled her life with idols—family, work, friends, and especially her children became her highest priorities. After her first marriage ended, God blessed her with a second husband, yet Gail continued living according to her own strength and understanding. For years and years, she leaned on self-reliance, still not finding true fulfillment. It wasn't until living in Prescott that things slowly began to change. A friend came alongside her in a deeply intentional way, modeling what a vibrant relationship with God could look like. When Gail and her husband moved back to the Valley, she says it felt like she finally lost the “box of masks” she had carried for so long. At 63, she truly began her walk with Jesus—and life has never been the same. Gail shares how God awakened her heart to His love and how, despite her past, she now feels like she is living in the best chapters of her life. Though she sometimes grieves the time that feels lost, she rests in the truth that with God, nothing is ever wasted. His redemption is real, His grace is abundant, and all it takes is one intentional step.Listen to Gail's discipleship journey on The Now Life podcast:The Disciple's Journey of Gail Hosea + Danya Works Part 1The Disciple's Journey of Gail Hosea + Danya Works Part 2Desert Springs will be having baptism services August 23rd + 24th! Don't miss this opportunity to proclaim your faith in Jesus. Email robin@dscchurch.com to get started.Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Karen Frey's testimony is a powerful reminder of God's redemptive work. With deep roots tied to the Desert Springs church building, Karen's story is one of full-circle grace—how God gently led her back to a place she once thought she had left behind for good. Originally from Indiana, Karen fondly recalls how her mother faithfully brought the family to church every Sunday. She cherished that church community, being present whenever the church doors were open. That formative experience planted a seed in her heart, a longing for deep, authentic fellowship with God's people. In 2000, after moving to Arizona, Karen and her sons began attending a church that met at Westview High School in Avondale. It quickly became home. The tight-knit community supported her through one of the most difficult seasons of her life as she went through a divorce. The women in her small group were especially instrumental, surrounding her with prayer, encouragement, and love. As the church grew, exciting plans were made to build a new church and school in Goodyear. The future looked bright. But everything changed when troubling revelations came to light, ultimately leading to the heartbreaking dissolution of both the church and the school in 2006. The loss was devastating. Though Karen never turned her back on God, the disillusionment she felt made it difficult to re-engage with another church. After years of searching and disappointment, she stepped away from church life altogether. For five years, she lived in the tension of believing in God while feeling disconnected from His people. But in early 2019, God, ever faithful, began to stir her heart once more. Through His grace and kindness, He drew her back to community and back into fellowship. And in the most unexpected twist, He brought her right back to the very place where so much had once unraveled. Karen's journey is a beautiful testimony of healing, restoration, and God's unwavering pursuit of His people.Ashley Nochevich's testimony (Karen's daughter-in-law!), Episode 137Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

It was an absolute pleasure to have Tim Dornseif join us in the studio! This moment feels especially meaningful, almost full circle, as just a year ago, Tim listened to a testimony on this very podcast that radically changed his life. You'll have to tune in to hear how God used that story to begin a powerful transformation in his heart. Tim shares his journey with honesty and vulnerability. Raised in Indiana, his family occasionally attended a Lutheran church. He grew up with his mom and stepdad, not meeting his biological father until he was 25. The absence of a strong, present father figure left a deep wound, one that would later surface in painful and self-destructive ways. In his late teens, Tim had a sweet “meet-cute” with his now wife, Tay, while they were both working at Kroger—he in the meat department, she in the bakery. Though painfully shy, a coworker helped make the introduction, and sparks quickly flew. Not long after, they were married, expecting their first son, and relocating to Arizona. Tim began nursing school, and though life was moving forward, the mounting pressure brought old struggles back to the surface. One of those struggles was with pornography, a battle that lingered for years. Though Tim made efforts to be open with Tay and others, he often felt trapped and burdened by secrecy, convinced he couldn't be fully known or accepted. After experiencing deep hurt at a church they had attended for six years, Tim and Tay found themselves at Desert Springs. There, Tim met Bradley Chaddick (his story is linked below) during a VBS event, and that connection became a turning point. For the first time, faith felt real. He no longer felt imprisoned by his sin but instead empowered to take steps toward healing. Through this new season, Tim encountered the Father's love and grace in a way he never had before. Today, he walks in true community with God, with his wife, and with other men, experiencing a freedom and restoration that only Christ can bring.Bradley Chaddick's testimony, Episode 120Kyle Moore's testimony, Episode 123Tuesday night Men's Connect Group at Desert SpringsFathered by God by John Eldredge"Holy Heat" with Seth Tramp + Tim DornseifIf you find yourself struggling with a sexual addiction you are not alone. We want to help. Email Pastor Trevor at trevor@dscchurch.com to get started. Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We're so excited to share Michelle Spano's story with you today! Michelle and her family have been part of the Desert Springs community for many years. She and her husband, Nick, first met in the church's young adults group back when it was still meeting in Glendale, a sweet beginning to a lifelong journey together. In the first part of this conversation, Michelle warmly reflects on how they met, fell in love, got married, and started a family. For Michelle, marriage brought a deep sense of stability which was something she hadn't experienced much of growing up. Her childhood was marked by chaos and pain, and although she came to know Jesus at a young age, she was still learning and growing in her understanding of who she was in Christ. As she stepped into motherhood, however, new layers of emotion and struggle surfaced. The fierce love she felt for her newborn son, coupled with relational challenges and the overwhelming transition into parenthood, unearthed wounds from the past she thought were buried. It became clear that healing was not optional—it was necessary. Michelle sought professional counseling, which became a turning point not only for her own well-being but also for the health of her marriage. Through intentional community and deepening time in God's Word, she experienced profound healing. Her passion for Scripture grew, and she eventually developed a method to teach her children how to study the Bible. This method eventually blossomed into a love for writing Bible studies. Now, Michelle is preparing to become a published author, using her gifts to help others grow in their faith. Looking back, she sees God's faithful hand in every step of her journey, especially in the healing that unlocked her calling. Michelle's final words of encouragement to others are simple but powerful: Don't put off healing and get into the Word.Connect with Michelle on Instagram @michellespanowritesCheck out Michelle's website__________________________________________________Nick Spano's testimony (Michelle's husband!), Episode 11

We were truly blessed to have Jim Brown join us in the studio to share his story! Jim and his family have been a cherished part of our church community for nearly 20 years. You may recognize his son, Sam, who regularly volunteers on the worship team (we've linked his story below!). In this episode, Jim and Sarah spend a few minutes catching up before diving into his story; a journey marked by faith, challenges, and the grace of God. Jim introduces a concept called The Circle of Obedience, something that shaped his own walk with the Lord and became a guiding principle he later passed on to his sons. Jim came to know Jesus at the age of six. His father worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, so the family moved often, but they always stayed connected to a church wherever they landed. It was after hearing some hellfire and brimstone preaching that Jim made the decision to follow Christ, longing to spend eternity with Him. But like many of us, his path wasn't without detours. In middle school, Jim began stepping outside that circle of obedience, not rejecting God but leaning on his own wisdom and chasing his own ambitions. His journey took him through multiple colleges and even across the Atlantic to play American football in England. Yet despite the adventure, nothing brought lasting fulfillment. Then came a turning point when his mother introduced him to Trisha, a young woman who would become his wife. Jim was returning to the faith while Trisha was beginning her own faith journey. Together, they desired to build a Christ-centered family. But the road ahead wasn't easy. Marriage proved more difficult than expected. Two years in, they welcomed their first son, Hunter, who was born with severe special needs—a reality they still navigate today. As life picked up speed with the births of their other sons, Sam and Henry, the challenges mounted. But so did God's faithfulness. What stands out most in Jim's story is his honesty. He doesn't shy away from the hard parts—but through it all, he stayed rooted: committed to God, to Trisha, and to his sons. And in that commitment, he rediscovered the fullness of life within the circle of obedience. His testimony is a beautiful reminder that life with Jesus, even in the struggle, is far richer than anything the world offers.Sam Brown's testimony (Jim's son!), Episode 86Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Liz's story is one of resilience, rediscovery, and grace—and we're honored to share it with you today. She begins by telling us she was born in Arizona, but her early years were shaped by her father's role as a traveling evangelist. As she grew older, Liz came to see how much of her father's passion for ministry was inspired by the Jesus Revolution. Life on the road wasn't easy. Liz speaks candidly about the challenges of growing up in a family constantly on the move. For a time, they even lived in a bus—a reality that left her feeling embarrassed and isolated, especially at school. Even after the traveling stopped, her family continued to relocate frequently throughout the Valley. They rarely stayed in the same church or school for more than a year, and this instability began to distort Liz's understanding of what community—especially Christian community—could be. Much of the faith she encountered in those years felt lonely, restrictive, and at times, judgmental. Liz found herself longing for independence, counting down the days until she turned 18 so she could create a life of her own. That journey began when she enrolled at Phoenix College, where she met her husband, Buddy. Their early years together were sweet, and before long, they were welcoming a baby boy—and shortly after, a baby girl—into the world. With motherhood came a shift in Liz's heart. She felt a deep desire to raise her children with an understanding of who God is. Though Buddy wasn't actively pursuing faith at the time, he fully supported Liz's efforts to introduce their kids to Jesus. This marked the beginning of a slow but meaningful return to God. As the kids started attending a Christian school, a fellow parent invited Liz to visit Desert Springs. She calls it a “visit” that lasted four years—coming regularly but still holding back. And then, something began to change. Liz started to take real steps into community, into faith, and into relationship with God again. Today, Liz speaks with honesty and humility about her journey—about the ways God has reshaped her heart and mind over time. Her story reminds us that faith is often a winding road, but one full of hope, healing, and transformation. We're so grateful Liz chose to share that road with us.Pastor Steve's January 2025 sermon on deconstructionBuddy's (Liz's husband!) testimony videoWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Today's episode is one we've been eagerly waiting to share—and it's well worth the wait! We're honored to tell the story of Tiffany Alexander, a cherished part of our Desert Springs ministry alongside her husband, James. Born and raised in Arizona, Tiffany shares sweet memories of her early years and how she met James at Southwestern Bible College (now ACU). They married in their early twenties and, just two months into marriage, discovered they were expecting their daughter. Life was full and moving quickly! What Tiffany didn't know at the time was that she was living with an undetected heart condition—mitral valve prolapse (MVP)—despite regular checkups, multiple pregnancies, and a family history of heart issues. It wasn't until she experienced severe symptoms during a particularly stressful season that doctors finally diagnosed the condition at age 38. As the severity of her MVP became clear, Tiffany was scheduled for open heart surgery—a shocking and heavy moment. Yet through it all, she experienced a deep, unshakable peace, trusting that God would walk with her every step of the way. She felt called to reflect Jesus through her response and found purpose even in the pain. What followed was far more than anyone expected. Complications and recurring infections led to five heart surgeries over five years. Tiffany opens up about the reality of recovery, the toll it took on her family, and the faith that carried them through. Her story is not only one of survival but of transformation—how God used her experience to touch others in meaningful ways. Eleven years later, Tiffany stands as a powerful, living testimony of God's heart—His healing, His strength, and His purpose in the midst of life's hardest trials. You'll be moved, encouraged, and inspired by her story.James Alexander's testimony (Tiffany's husband!), Episode 64Meals & More Ministry at Desert SpringsWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Jon Fritts truly has a servant's heart, and we believe this conversation will challenge and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Since 2021, Jon and his family have been an integral part of Desert Springs, pouring their time and energy into ministry through faithful service. Raised in a small town in Oregon, Jon grew up in a family deeply involved in their church. His mother was a dedicated youth leader, and his father quite literally built part of the church—helping construct the parsonage on the property. In school, Jon was known as “the good Christian kid,” a label that came with both blessings and challenges. As he grew older, he faced a pivotal moment where he had to embrace his faith as his own, not just something he was known for. Seeking a change of pace after high school, Jon moved to Phoenix for school, where he found mentorship from a youth pastor—a relationship that remains strong to this day. It was also during this time that he met his wife. Experiencing genuine Christian community, where people truly walked alongside him in faith, left a lasting impact. His journey eventually led him to Southwestern Bible College (now Arizona Christian University), where he deepened his understanding of faith, realizing that his righteousness came not from himself but from God. Jon's heart for service has been a defining theme in his life. He stepped into a volunteer youth pastor role at a church plant, and from that point on, he's done just about everything in ministry. What sets Jon apart is that, despite his deep involvement in the church, he has always maintained a career outside of ministry—serving simply because he's called to, not because it's his job. It's a perspective that offers much to reflect on. Jon also shares about some particularly difficult years in the mid-2000s when he faced economic struggles, a severe hand injury, and his wife's challenging pregnancy. During that season, someone asked him, “What are you going to do?” His response was simple: “I just have to trust in God and see what He does.” Even in hardship, Jon continued to serve, and time and again, he witnessed God's faithfulness—not always in ways he expected, but always in ways that proved true. This conversation is for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it truly means to serve. Let it challenge and inspire you as you walk with Christ!Serve at Desert SpringsPastor Steve's March 2025 sermon on fruit in the life of a ChristianWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We were honored to have Kate Newton join us in the studio to share her powerful journey to Christ. Hailing from Grants Pass, OR much of Kate's story unfolds in her hometown. Growing up, her parents managed a trailer park that also welcomed RVs, creating an environment where she encountered people from all walks of life. While this upbringing brought a variety of experiences, it also exposed Kate to the harsh realities of crime, including instances of violence and even murder. Tragically, the concept of death became all too familiar. When Kate was just 11 years old, her world was shattered when her 16-year-old brother died in a devastating car accident involving a train. The heartbreak fractured her family, leaving Kate to navigate her teenage years largely on her own. She recalls feeling more like a roommate to her parents than a daughter, shouldering the weight of grief in isolation. Adopting a mindset of “if you're going to die, you might as well live,” she turned to partying in search of distraction and meaning. Though she occasionally attended church with a boyfriend in her early adulthood, faith didn't yet hold a significant place in her life. By the age of 25, Kate was facing financial struggles after college and found herself working at a health food store. Her coworkers formed an unusual trio — a prostitute, a self-proclaimed white witch, and an older Christian woman named Sandy. It was through these circumstances that God began to stir something within her. Sandy quickly became a guiding presence in Kate's life. Eventually, Kate moved into a room in Sandy's home, and their friendship deepened. It was there, with Sandy by her side, that Kate made the life-changing decision to give her heart to Christ. In an instant, God became undeniably real — present, active, and faithful. Kate shared remarkable stories of how God consistently showed up in her darkest moments, offering comfort and provision. Her testimony serves as a reminder that no matter the struggle — anxiety, fear, loss, or grief — we can trust in Jesus. Her encouragement to listeners is simple yet profound: place your trust fully in Him, because He is always faithful.Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

The Stories Collective is back! On March 9th, we celebrated three years of sharing powerful stories, and it's amazing to reflect on just how many lives and experiences that represents. God's faithfulness has been evident every step of the way. We hope you had a chance to catch up on any episodes you may have missed during our break because we're so excited to be back!Today, we have a special episode featuring Sarah Underwood, and we believe her story will truly warm your heart. When our host, Sarah Schalow, first sat down with her, she could hardly finish asking how God had been faithful in her life before Sarah enthusiastically began sharing the countless ways she's experienced His goodness. Sarah's journey with Christ began at just five years old, and her relationship with God has only grown deeper over the years. However, her life was forever changed at the age of 12 when her father was tragically struck by a car and killed while returning home from a men's prayer meeting at their church. With remarkable vulnerability, Sarah opens up about how her family navigated this devastating loss and how she learned to rely on her Heavenly Father in the absence of her earthly one. While anxiety has sometimes threatened to overwhelm her, Sarah's sincerity in casting her cares upon the Lord is inspiring. Her story is a beautiful reminder that God is always near when we come to Him. One of the most impactful themes she shares is the importance of keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus — a practice she intentionally pursues each day. Sarah also speaks candidly about her experiences with singleness and how she continues to trust God's plan for her life, even when it looks different from what she once imagined. Her steadfast faith and joyful perspective will uplift and encourage you. We're so glad to be back, and we know Sarah's testimony will bless you. Tune in and be reminded once again that even when life doesn't go as planned, God's plan is always good.Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Jessalyn Bruce is here to share her powerful testimony! She begins by taking us back to her childhood in California, where her faith journey first took root. As the oldest of eight children, Jessalyn's family became involved in the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP), led by Bill Gothard, when she was just nine years old. Growing up in such a strict, legalistic environment was challenging, especially as a young Christian trying to understand her faith. Through a series of pivotal moments, God began to unravel these beliefs, leading Jessalyn to a deeper understanding of His grace. As she entered high school, Jessalyn felt a strong calling toward missions, deeply inspired by the 1956 Christian martyrs in Ecuador, a story brought to life in the movie End of the Spear. Determined to follow this calling, she pursued missions training at Bible college, where she met her future husband, Davy—though their relationship wouldn't begin until they reconnected after graduation. Jessalyn shares relatable experiences of navigating faith, relationships, and ministry as a young adult, offering insight and encouragement along the way. Together, she and Davy pursued mission aviation, undergoing years of training while moving between California, Alaska, and Texas. Throughout their journey, they witnessed God's provision in incredible ways as they prepared for life on the mission field as a young family. However, in 2023, unexpected doors began to close, and by early 2024, after an emotional meeting with their sending church, their mission field journey came to an end. Though it was heartbreaking, Jessalyn and Davy have found peace in Arizona, trusting that God is still leading them forward. Her testimony is a powerful reminder that God uses every season—especially the hard ones—to shape us. Nothing is ever wasted when we walk with Him. You'll be encouraged and inspired as Jessalyn shares her story of faith, surrender, and God's unwavering faithfulness!"Let God orient you to Himself and then you will be oriented to His will. The servant does not tell the Master what kind of assignment he needs. The servant waits on his Master for the assignment. As you obey Him, God will prepare you for the assignment that is just right for you." -Henry T. Blackaby & Avery T. Willis Jr."Present your gifts, vocations and talents to the Lord. Press into God. Stay there until you long to go out in His Name. Remain there and nurture the longing to see the earth bathed with His praise. Only then will you be able to trust your heart if you hear God say, 'stay.' Only those who long to broadcast His glory to the nations have the right to stay." -Floyd McClungThat Sounds Fun Podcast with Annie F. DownsShiny Happy People DocumentaryEnd of the Spear by Steve SaintSaturday Family Fellowship at Desert SpringsWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Today, we're honored to be joined by a longtime friend of Desert Springs, Sondra Greenfield! Sondra and her husband, Don, have been part of our church family since before Pastor Steve—truly lifelong friends of this community. Sondra's testimony is nothing short of incredible, beginning even before she was born. She shares how her mother made the difficult decision to place her for adoption and how she was welcomed into a loving home that provided a beautiful foundation for her life. Despite being surrounded by love and support, Sondra struggled in her teenage years, making choices that led her parents to seek a fresh start. Their move to Montana was a leap of faith, filled with prayers that she would find her way. And on her 16th birthday, she met the man who would become her husband—Don. Their journey took an unexpected turn when they became teen parents, but God was at work in ways they never could have imagined. Married young and raising four children by the age of 22, life moved fast. Yet, through every challenge and every twist in their story, God's hand was guiding them. Their experiences eventually led them to launch a ministry for pregnant mothers in crisis, a calling deeply rooted in their own story. And that was just the beginning. Over their 46 years of marriage, Sondra and Don have walked through incredible highs and deep valleys—finding her birth family, raising their grandchildren for a season, navigating trials with their children, and witnessing God's redemption in their lives. The legacy they are building is one of faith, resilience, and trust in God's unwavering faithfulness. It's impossible to capture it all in just a few words. You'll be encouraged, challenged, and inspired as you listen to Sondra's story. You won't want to miss it!50+ Ministry at Desert SpringsLegacy Coalition (Christian Grandparenting Ministry)Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

In today's episode, we're joined by a familiar face, Hailey Keller! Hailey served as our Media Intern during the summer of 2024, but her connection to Desert Springs goes back much further—over 20 years! Recent events in her life have prompted her to share her story, and we're so grateful for her openness and vulnerability. Hailey reflects on growing up at Desert Springs and her deep passion for Jesus, which was evident even at a young age. Like many students, she faced pressures during her middle and high school years, but she chose to fix her eyes on Christ, finding confidence in who He created her to be. She also shares how her experiences on SMI trips played a significant role in shaping her faith and character. In 2020, Hailey's life was deeply shaken. As a junior in high school, she experienced the sudden loss of her uncle while navigating a world that felt like it was falling apart. These events marked the beginning of her battle with anxiety. By the time she started her freshman year at GCU, anxiety had become a daily and sometimes crippling struggle. We're so thankful for Hailey's willingness to take us into this part of her journey. She shares candidly about her resistance to acknowledging her struggle, her questions for God, and how she wrestled with navigating anxiety as a Christian. But in October 2024, during her final semester at GCU, God used an extreme and unexpected circumstance to demonstrate His faithfulness. Hailey shares how, in that moment, she felt God holding her in His hands, reminding her that He is always present and watching over her. Hailey's testimony is a powerful reminder that God is faithfully leading us, even when we don't understand His plan. He is greater than the fears and anxieties of this world and brings peace in the midst of chaos.Live Original by Sadie RobertsonWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Our very own Pastor Paul Hocking joins us on the podcast today! Since stepping into the role of Kids' Pastor in the spring of 2024, Paul has been an invaluable part of our team, and we are so grateful for his leadership. From the very beginning of his story, Paul shares how he has experienced God as his rescuer time and time again. Growing up in Oregon, life was anything but easy. As the youngest of five children in a family facing significant financial struggles, Paul moved frequently and spent much of his childhood in project housing. At just 10 years old, he experienced one of the darkest moments of his life—the heartbreaking loss of his mother. Her passing was devastating, and the challenges only continued, with financial hardships persisting and school proving to be a difficult environment. Then, in an unexpected turn, Paul's father announced they would be moving to the jungle—specifically, Peru. This drastic and unconventional change surprisingly brought healing and a renewed sense of purpose to Paul as he navigated young adulthood. Eventually, he pursued a career in teaching, working internationally before returning to the U.S. and settling in Buckeye, Arizona. It was there that he met his wife, and for 16 years, he dedicated himself to his career. However, despite his success, Paul felt a deep sense of unrest, believing he was meant for something greater. Unsure of where God was leading him, he remained in a season of waiting—until God opened the door to Desert Springs. Tune in to hear Paul's inspiring journey and how God's incredible work has shaped his life in ways he never could have imagined.Dancing Through Sorrow by Ben JosephInterested in our ministry with our local public schools? Email Pastor Daniel at daniel@dscchurch.com. Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Desert Springs family, we are thrilled to share an incredible story with you today! Hopefully, you had the chance to hear Pastor Steve's inspiring sermon at the start of January, where he unveiled the vision and dreams for 2025. A key part of that vision includes partnering with a pre-existing church plant in Palm Springs, CA, called Passion Church. Our host, Sarah Schalow, had the privilege of sitting down with Pastor TJ and Jess McCall, who have been leading Passion Church since 2023. If you call Desert Springs home, we strongly encourage you to tune in to this conversation to learn more about Passion Church and the heart behind TJ and Jess's ministry. The conversation kicks off with TJ sharing about his upbringing in Monterey, where church was more of a moral obligation than a personal conviction. As a teenager, he began questioning matters of faith and grew deeply skeptical. You'll have to listen to hear about the path TJ was heading down and how God intervened, radically transforming his heart and life. Jess shares her own story, describing a childhood rooted in faith but lacking that deep passion for Jesus until her late teens. God's hand was evident as He brought TJ and Jess together, and shortly after marrying, they dove headfirst into ministry. While their journey has been filled with joy, it has also included significant challenges, including experiencing intense church hurt. Despite the pain, their love for ministry never wavered. God eventually led them to serve at a church in Arizona, a season that prepared them for something even greater—planting Passion Church in Palm Springs. There's so much more to their story than we can summarize here, so don't miss out on hearing it all! Their testimony of perseverance, faith, and obedience will inspire and encourage your heart.Learn more about Passion Church in Palm SpringsFollow Passion Church on InstagramFollow Passion Church on FacebookLearn more about Venture Church Network (which Desert Springs and Passion Church are a part of)Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We are looking forward to sharing Don + Kris Tramp's testimony today! The Tramps' oldest son Seth serves at Desert Springs as our Middle School Pastor (check out Seth's story below!). Don + Kris together and as individuals have amazing testimonies. They both share their backgrounds growing up as children of divorce and how they had to find their way into adulthood. They first met at U of A and for Kris it was love at first sight. As a young couple they began to learn more about who Jesus was and committed to each other in marriage and to Christ. The early years of marriage were wonderful but difficult financially and career-wise. Looking back. Don + Kris see how the Lord took care of them and helped them to value hard work. Don settled into his career as a teacher in the Litchfield School District and Kris loved being at home raising their two boys, Seth + Garhett. They reflect on how they grew in their love and appreciation for the church as they put roots in at a local church. In a beautiful way, Don + Kris were breaking the cycles that they grew up in, creating their own marriage and family life that was honoring to God. As a couple they were especially passionate about pouring into their boys and they share some practical things they did in raising them. This eventually spilled into their community as a series of events led them to taking in a boy with special needs that Don met at the school he worked at. That is an incredible story that you have to hear!Seth Tramp's testimony (Don + Kris's son!), Episode 142Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Happy New Year! We are so excited to be kicking off 2025 with you by sharing an amazing collection of stories and testimonies. Lowell Gordon joined us in the studio to share about God's thread of faithfulness throughout his life. Almost a year ago Lowell's wife Dacia joined us, and we love seeing how God has worked in their lives as a couple and as individuals. Lowell describes that he was blessed to be raised in a Chrisitan home with values that have created a legacy within his family. He shares a few stories from childhood as key events that helped shaped who he is now. Up until a few years ago all of his life had been lived in Washington state. Lowell sweetly recounts meeting Dacia in youth group and how the Lord made it clear that they were supposed to be together. Early in their marriage they began to see God's faithfulness as Lowell shares about their daughters being born and even God's protection from a landslide that completely destroyed their home. Lowell also went into business for himself at a young age and he walks us through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and the lessons he learned along the way while leaning on the Lord. We appreciate how he always kept Jesus at the forefront of his business ventures and was intentional to share about Him with those he worked with. Lastly, Lowell shares about two different major medical events in the last 10 years where God intervened in truly miraculous ways. This episode will encourage and uplift you as a new year begins. God is faithful! Dacia Gordon's testimony (Lowell's wife!), Episode 103Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Happy Friday! Our host Sarah Schalow invites you to join in for a personal reflection on this podcast and her own recent life. Before we get into those things, we want to wrap up the 4th quarter of this year and reflect on the last 12 episodes that have been released. The episodes covered since the beginning of October include recovery from PTSD, dealing with current unanswered health struggles, leaning into God during intense mental health issues, radical transformation through the gospel. coming to a true understanding of Jesus, getting through difficulties during the holidays and learning to simply say "but God." All of these stories tie together with themes that are important and relevant as we prepare to enter a new year. In the last 10 minutes Sarah gets personal and shares a testimony about how God spoke to her as she was able to spend time by the ocean at the end of summer and mid-fall. At the height of difficulty God reminded her of His faithfulness through the waves returning to the shore. It is hard to summarize all of these stories and Sarah's personal testimony here so we would encourage you to take a few minutes to listen. We can't believe this is our last episode of 2024! We'll see you next year with another amazing story of God's faithfulness

Welcome to the 3rd annual Stories Collective Christmas episode featuring Manny Hernandez and Daniel Calderón! As we have in the past, we wanted to share a light-hearted and fun episode with you as we prepare for the year to wrap up. The conversation begins with Sarah asking Manny and Daniel about their favorite Christmas music and movies. We all have those things that we can't skip each season! This year Sarah created a Christmas jeopardy game for the guys to play and we think you'll have fun playing along too (we've linked the board below!). With just 7 days left until Christmas we hope that this episode makes you laugh and lifts your spirits!Christmas Jeopardy game boardWe would love to see you at one of our five Christmas Eve services happening! December 23rd at 4:30pm + 6:00pm and December 24th at 3:00pm, 4:30pm + 6:00pmSpanish translation availableVisit dscchurch.com for more informationWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next week to hear a recap of 2024!

We have an incredible story to share with you this week! This is our last testimony for 2024 but don't worry, we have a few more episodes to share with you this December! And we'll be back in January with some incredible stories of God's faithfulness. Shannon Cook and her family began attending Desert Springs this year. Before we get into Shannon's testimony, we do want to let you know that some heavier topics like abuse, addiction and sexual abuse will be discussed. Growing up Shannon's home life appeared to be picture perfect but behind the scenes things were a mess as her parents struggled with alcohol and there was abuse within their home. Because of this environment Shannon began looking for love in all of the wrong places. She met her now husband Arren while working at Krispy Kreme and she became pregnant at the age of 16. This itself is an amazing testimony as Shannon was prepared to abort this baby but an appointment at a pregnancy center changed everything. Shannon then takes us through the next decade of life which was filled with some intense trial by fire. Multiple children, addiction, marriage struggles, job loss, discovery of sexual abuse, homelessness - you name it, the Cooks went through it. BUT GOD. God came through in incredible ways. Shannon describes feeling purified and refined by the fire and though there were some years of incredible darkness she sees God's faithfulness in all of it. Where God has them now shows how He can heal, restore, provide and guide. He does not ever leave His children alone and He is faithful. Be encouraged by Shannon's testimony today! Celebrate Recovery at Desert SpringsThe Love Dare by Alex KendrickWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Merry Christmas! It seems appropriate to say that now that we're officially in December

Last year Joe Diaz was sitting in a work-related training on what seemed to be a regular day when God spoke to him. God said, "It's time to come back, I have more plans for you - look for Jonah." We have an amazing testimony to share with you today! The past year of Joe's life has been incredibly transformational and we're so glad to have him as a part of our church family. Joe was raised in Tucson and after 9/11 he was greatly inspired to join the military when he graduated from high school in 2004. This led to a 17-year career in the military with five deployments. He struggled with PTSD and acclimating into the corporate word. Though he had been raised in a Christian home having a relationship with Jesus or attending church was not a priority for Joe. A lot of life happened in the course of 20 years, and he felt lost without purpose especially after experiencing a lay off. Then one day God spoke to him. You'll have to listen in to hear about how God led Joe and his wife specifically to Desert Springs and how a fire began in his heart to truly follow Jesus. There are too many spiritual experiences from the last year of his life to sum up here. Joe's passion is contagious, and you'll be challenged and inspired to know Jesus in a closer way after hearing this conversation. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!The Now Life Ep. 26, feat. Joe DiazThe Now Life Ep. 34 feat. Joe DiazResident Strangers episodes on loving your neighbor, your enemy and your brother and sister in Christ, Episodes 72, 73, 74Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Donna Lancelot joined us in the studio to share her story! We appreciate her willingness to share so much of her life with us and take us on the journey she took to find God. Donna was raised in Nebraska and lost her Dad in a house fire when she was only two years old. This event started a very difficult childhood, being raised by a single mom in the 1950s and unfortunately experiencing multiple forms of abuse. She describes that church was somewhat a part of her life, but she didn't have an understanding of the gospel. At the age of 17 Donna got married because she wanted to have protection in her life. They had two children together but then divorced after five years of marriage. Later she married another man and began a new life having a daughter together. They were married for a little over seven years, but he died suddenly of a heart attack at age 32. As she experienced so much hardship in her life, she describes that she wanted to be a Christian but didn't know how and honestly didn't feel worthy. She wanted her kids to attend church and tried her best to engage in spiritual things, but life was really hard. Eventually the Lord brought her Trent who became her husband of close to 40 years (their marriage is still going strong!). More years passed and after getting involved with some different churches Donna found herself at Desert Springs. For the first time in her life, she felt she could know and understand who God is. What we love about Donna's story is that it shows that it is never too late to come to know who God is. Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

If you regularly attend Desert Springs, you are probably familiar with today's guest! Seth Tramp joined us in the studio to share about what God has done in his life up until this point. Seth serves as our Middle School Pastor and has been married to his wife Ella for 3 years. We are blessed to have the Tramps as a part of our church family and staff! Seth came on staff at Desert Springs in January of this year and you'll hear as Seth shares that working in full time ministry wasn't always on his radar, but he feels he is now right where God wants him. He was raised in Buckeye and always loved working with his hands and figuring out how things worked. Seth describes that his parents set an incredible example of what a life of service looks like and shared a story about a special needs boy his parents ended up taking in while he was in high school. He also talks about a trip to Africa that gave him a deeper perspective for ministry and serving. While attending NAU Seth made the decision to join the National Guard which Seth still actively serves in. All of these events in Seth's life were leading him to a place of wanting to live a life of purpose. Life took him on some more paths including starting a career in construction, but God had other plans. We appreciate how Seth describes his walk with Christ as being intentional with plans but keeping his hands open to what God might have. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use Seth in ministry! Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We have a wonderful conversation with Lori McHugh to share with you! Lori begins her story by sharing about where the foundation of her faith came from. Her parents were both strong believers and she shares many stories about how her Mom in particular modeled faith and trust in God as she grew up in Pittsburgh. Lori caught onto this faith as a child and shares a heartwarming story about how even as a young girl she wanted to trust God with her whole heart. When Lori was out of college, she ended up moving to Florida to work for NASCAR and one of her neighbors ended up becoming her husband, Mike. This brought a new level of needing to trust God as Mike was in the military and would be deployed multiple times and they would move all over the U.S. We appreciate how Lori brings us into the military life and describes the new level of trust she reached with the Lord. The foundation was continuing to be strengthened. When Lori and Mike had kids another level of trust was reached, especially as her husband was passing along his passion for extreme sports to his sons. Lori talks about her journey as a mom and what it looks like to always trust that God is watching over her kids. She talks through multiple accidents that both her husband and kids have been in and how she does her best to overcome worry on a daily basis. Even aside from the many crazy things they have experienced as a family Lori encourages all Christ followers to really lean in and trust. The concept of trusting God can be a very difficult thing for even a seasoned Christ follower to practice. Lori's testimony will inspire and challenge you as she takes us through these different levels of truth in the Lord! Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

An encouraging testimony from Greg Moore is being shared today! Greg grew up in a small midwestern town with his family. All of the family were deeply involved in the Catholic church and those beliefs and principles really laid a foundation for Greg and how he wanted to live his life. He speaks very highly of his parents and admires the way that they consistently lived their lives. When Greg got to college during the Woodstock generation, he was very drawn to the idea of having fun and was all in with sex, drugs and rock and roll. Though he had admired it for a long time the Catholic way of life was no longer appealing to him. He chose to live in rebellion. Greg married when he was 20 and began a new life with his wife. They had children after a few years together and Greg was really enjoying pursuing his career. As life continued, he was drawn more and more into climbing the corporate ladder and unfortunately this had a negative effect on his wife and children. He and his wife divorced, and Greg describes he was the worst version of himself he had ever been. Greg started attending church off and on and it seemed like Christ followers were popping up in his life everywhere. He finally reached a point where he understood that he needed Jesus - not a set of rules but a relationship with the Savior. Your heart will be encouraged as you hear about Greg coming to know Christ and how his life changed from there. Prayer Ministry at Desert SpringsWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Michelle Flores is sharing her incredible testimony with us today! Michelle has been attending Desert Springs for a little over a year. It is special that this episode is being released at this time as this time last year is when Michelle repented and surrendered her life to Christ. Before you listen, we do want to give a trigger warning for this story as drug abuse, sexual abuse and demonic activity are discussed in this conversation. Michelle grew up in the 90s and early 2000s and describes that her Papa was a positive influence on her life. He introduced her to church and provided a safe space for her. Out of the blue Michelle's Papa was diagnosed with lymphoma and passed away just months later. This rocked Michelle as she was barely 13 years old. Her Papa's death ended up being the catalyst for years and years in darkness. Michelle became involved with drugs and sexual relationships at a very young age and felt completely lost. She even describes experiencing demonic oppression that lasted for many years. She became a mother at 19 and tried to get her life on track by joining the Army. That unfortunately didn't pan out though she did meet the man that would become her husband. More years of darkness ensued, and Michelle had reached the lowest of the low. She had a plan to end her life. Then God showed up in an unexpected way, reminding her of who she really was and that He had grace and healing for her. This might be one of the most radical testimonies we've heard on this podcast! Listen in and be encouraged and reminded that our God is alive and active. Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Today you'll get to hear from Aaron Holland! Aaron's Dad Rich co-hosts the Resident Strangers podcast and actually both of his parents have been featured on this podcast! We appreciate Aaron's willingness to share with us as his story is still very much unfolding. He was born in North Carolina and eventually moved with his family to Virginia as his Dad had been asked to plant a church. Aaron shares that his family had a very holistic approach to ministry as his parents desired the entire family to be all-in. He struggled with the transition as they moved, and the church plant became a harder task. A lot of things shifted and changed and soon the Hollands found themselves moving to Arizona in 2018. Aaron fondly remembers this time and walks us through his time in the youth group at Desert Springs. Life was moving in a really great, positive direction. However, on January 1, 2024, life as Aaron knew it was drastically changed. Out of the blue he had a seizure. This was scary as nothing like this had ever happened to him and there was no obvious reason why it happened. Then 2 weeks later he had another one. Aaron was now faced with the reality that something was wrong - and it was serious. We appreciate Aaron's openness and realness as he walks us through these difficult months of his life. He describes the anger and even denial he has felt going through this. Eventually he faced God with all of his feelings and a breakthrough occurred. Though Aaron has not yet been healed and this is still ongoing he now sees this as an opportunity to grow in His trust in God and see His provision through a new lense. Be encouraged as you listen. Would you be praying for Aaron's healing?Rich Holland's testimony (Aaron's Dad!), Episode 45Larissa Holland's testimony (Aaron's Mom!), Episode 82The Resident Strangers podcast________Topic's covered in today's episode: North Carolina, church planting, mission trips, Japan, seizures, grand mal seizures, epilepsy ________Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

This week we are joined by Ashley Nochevich! Ashley and her husband have been attending Desert Springs for 6 years with their precious children. A fun fact is that Ashley is our producer Brittany's older sister! What we love about the story shared today is the power of what walking with Christ in His church can do. Ashley moved around a lot as a child before her family eventually settled in Arizona. She accepted Christ at a young age but describes that she wasn't really following after Jesus. Middle school was a rough time as she was exposed to drugs, began struggling with self-harm and developed a taste for alcohol. These things continued through high school and Ashley explains that she felt like she was just going through the motions of life, trying to cope. A bright spot during these years was meeting her husband Curtis at age 17. They would marry early in their 20s. After getting married, Ashley and Curits moved to Wisconsin. This is where the Lord really began to work and heal. Though the winters were brutal, and they were isolated from their family and friends, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. Ashley felt the Lord working in her heart and her life began to change. Your heart will be warmed as you hear Ashley tell her story. God has shown up in a lot of amazing ways. Right at the end of the conversation Ashley also shares her journey with infertility and how the Lord blessed through that. God is good and you will take that away from Ashley's testimony!Abide by Aaron Williams & Aaron Keyes________Topic's covered in today's episode: Moving, alcohol, Wisconsin, PCOS, youth ministry, women's ministry, infertility ________Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We are excited to share today's story with you! Ed Simpson joined us in the studio for a very vulnerable, heartfelt conversation. Before you listen, we do want to give a trigger warning for this story as combat trauma and suicide ideation are discussed throughout. Ed is fourth generation military having served as a military police officer in the Air Force. It is an incredible legacy to be a part of but there was also a heartbreaking side as many family members had untreated PTSD and mental health issues. Ed's father had served in Vietnam and unfortunately, he was abusive in many ways to his family after that. He shares about how he was negatively shaped by the verbal abuse he experienced, and that God was not a part of his time growing up. When Ed began attending NAU he made some friends who knew Jesus. This was the first time Ed had ever heard anyone talk about who Jesus was. He began to see love and community for the first time. Ed sweetly recounts how seeing the love families can have for each other showed him who God was. Through this community he met his wife Leah and continued his military career. Ed was deployed to the Middle East 3 months after 9/11 and there he experienced a lot of live combat. He had a few other deployments and developed PTSD after all of the things he saw and experienced. We appreciated how Ed brings us into his experiences and articulates what it is like to live with PTSD. You will be encouraged as he is real with the pain he has experienced but also how he has used his experiences to minister to others. Ed's main message is that there is hope - God is not done with you. Combat Veterans Support Group at DSCCLocal West Valley AZ therapists (scroll to the bottom of the web page)________Topic's covered in today's episode: PTSD, deployment, childhood trauma, combat trauma, therapy________Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Special guest host Hailey Keller joined by Sarah Schalow invites you to reflect on the 3rd quarter of this year! Hailey is a senior at Grand Canyon University who interned with us at Desert Springs this past summer. But she is no stranger to our church as she has been attending since the age of 2 years old! Hailey and Sarah reflect on the summer starting with how Hailey's internship began. The summer was packed with incredible stories that included such powerful themes. A lot of vulnerable testimonies were shared in the studio which we all continue to be blown away by. The conversations shared included healing from pornography addiction, how to keep following God when you don't know what to do next, living life with a spouse that has terminal health issues, pursuing physical health with Christ in mind, letting go and trusting Jesus, experiencing a call to the mission field, forgiveness in the midst of grief and sudden death, staying strong in job troubles and ministry to the HIV/AIDS community. Hailey shares that a theme she picked up on was to follow the Holy Spirit's prompting on things and to be open to God's will in your life. This felt especially relevant to her as she is wrapping up her time in college. Sarah reflects and shares that what stuck out to her was the process it can take to willingly trust God. Total trust doesn't usually happen overnight. We're glad Hailey was able to join us for this episode and hope it was an encouragement as we fully dive into the fall!Hailey's episode on the Christ, Culture & Coffee podcast*available wherever you listen to podcastsWant to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Today on The Stories Collective we have a special guest host, our Missions Pastor Jamie Engram! Jamie is talking with one of the missionaries we help to support, Steve Robenalt. He was actually one of the first missionaries our church began supporting. Steve and his wife Patty have been working as missionaries right here in Arizona for over 20 years. Steve recounts his early years in ministry to college students and how that shifted to eventually ministering to those with HIV/AIDS. Their hearts were suddenly opened to this people group as Patty's mom was diagnosed with AIDS just three weeks after Steve and Patty had gotten married. In 1993 they began a ministry called Compassion in Action that is still active today. Their hearts to reach out to a people group that is so often forgotten is beautiful. Your heart will be touched as you hear many stories of the people who have been ministered to living with this heartbreaking diagnosis. Steve challenges all of us to take the time to listen when ministering to someone no matter what they're going through. Life change often takes time. We admire the way that Steve and Patty serve and hope this conversation encourages and challenges you!Pray for Steve + Patty: Pray that Compassion in Action will have the necessary volunteers needed. Pray for 3 individuals who are currently getting trained to minister to mental health issues experienced by those suffering with HIV/AIDS. Pray for financial support. Pray for Steve and Patty's granddaughter Jovie and their daughter Karen and her husband Jason - Jovie is 4 months old and is struggling to gain weight while being on a feeding tube. Learn more about Steve + Patty Robenalt HIV/AIDS MinistryConnect with Steve Robenalt - steve@compassioninaction.netFor more information on Missions at DSCC email Jamie at james@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Craig describes himself as "double adopted." He grew up knowing his parents had adopted him but also recognizes that he was adopted into the family of God. We love how Craig describes his experience of being adopted and how it helped him to understand His identity in Christ. You can hear Craig's understanding of God's plan for his life as he begins to share his story, including how he met his wife, Ruth. He gives an overview of a lot of his adult life in California and focuses in on changes that began to take place about 10 years ago. After 30+ years in California Craig made a big leap in his decision that caused him and Ruth to move to New Mexico. This had decision was made with intense prayer and seeking counsel from other believers. What Craig and Ruth didn't know was that the Lord was going to lead them through a season of growth, heartache and change that pushed them to trust in God like they never had before. Craig describes it as learning to give God a "blank check." Learning to live life with hands surrendered and open to what He has. Moving to New Mexico was not the end of the journey - it was only the beginning. Listen in to hear about the amazing work God did on Craig's heart and how he learned to fully lean into God and the agenda He has. This is an encouraging conversation no matter what season of life you're in. Ruth Hill's testimony (Craig's wife!), Episode 41 *available wherever you listen to podcastsBradley Chaddick's testimony, Episode 120*available wherever you listen to podcastsTuesday night Men's fellowship at DSCCConnect Groups at DSCC ________Topic's covered in today's episode: Rangers baseball, Royals baseball, adoption, job changes, New Mexico, RV travel________Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Sarah-Ann Chaddick joined us in the studio to kick-off the month of September! Sarah-Ann starts her story by sharing about coming to know Jesus through Cubbies in the AWANA program. It was a special time because her family was all coming to know Jesus around the same time. In college Sarah-Ann met her husband Bradley (he was on the podcast back in June!) and they ended up moving to Colorado early in their marriage. She reflects on this as a sweet time because they had so much quality time as a young family, getting to spend time with her parents too. After about three years in Colorado, they felt the Lord leading their family to move to Arizona. In December 2020 Sarah-Ann describes feeling a sense from the Lord that something was coming, she just didn't know what it was. She felt the Holy Spirit saying, "Something is coming. Be prepared. Simplify your life."  Sarah-Ann did not feel anxiety from this but felt a strong confidence in the Lord. Just two months later Sarah-Ann received a phone call on a Sunday afternoon that changed everything. Her parents had both been killed in a car accident due to a distracted driver. This was the event the Holy Spirit had been preparing her heart for. You will be in awe by Sarah-Ann's response and her strength in how she reacted then and how she tells the story now. Even more amazing is what came to light after her parent's sudden death. Were they expecting this to happen? You will be drawn in as Sarah-Ann takes us into the deepest parts of her grief and shares how a fire was lit in her heart to follow God with a passion. The Sarah-Ann before this event and the Sarah-Ann after are not the same person and that is a testament to God's incredible and personal work. ________Topic's covered in today's episode: oceanography, Colorado, adoption, foster care, distracted driving, grief, discipleship________Bradley Chaddick's testimony (Sarah-Ann's husband!), Episode 120*available wherever you listen to podcastsMomCo at Desert SpringsWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Brock and Nancy Baker are back with us this week sharing part 2 of their amazing story! Last week we left off with a big cliffhanger. After Brock and Nancy experienced devastating financial circumstances in 2008, they were left wondering what God had for them next. Through everything they were experiencing the Lord was providing and also preparing. The Perspectives class they had taken at their church years before had put seeds in their hearts that were continuing to grow. It was becoming clear that the Lord was leading the Baker family to become missionaries to the Basque people group in Spain. So many pieces fell into place though the process of becoming missionaries and moving to Spain didn't come without its hardships. But God again provided for their family's exact needs so they could be effective in their ministry. You will hear amazing stories of their years of ministry in Spain. It is beautiful to see how their whole family was able to serve together and that their prayers were answered so specifically. After 4 wonderful years of doing mission work in Spain, they felt led to come back to the U.S. Listen in to hear about ministry to the Basque people, life as missionaries and what the Lord is doing with them now as they continue ministry here in America. We hope this conversation moves you to pray for the Basque people in Spain. We are so glad to have the Baker family a part of our church family at Desert Springs!________Topic's covered in today's episode: 2008 financial crisis, Spain, the Basques, missions, Washington State________Perspectives USA (the class Brock + Nancy took)Summer in the USA Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We are joined by Brock and Nancy Baker in the studio today for Part 1 of their incredible story of God's faithfulness in their lives! Brock and Nancy have a very sweet love story as they have been married for 31 years! They were both Christians from an early age and have a deep love for the Lord which is so evident throughout this conversation. Shortly after college Brock and Nancy started their own flooring business. This business was very successful, and they eventually had over 30 employees and had built their own office park. However, during the financial crisis of 2008-2009, they lost everything. All that they had worked so hard for, all the time they had poured into their employees was suddenly gone. But their faith in God helped them persevere, and He provided for them every step of the way. In the background of the success of their business, God was stirring in them a passion for international missions and the idea that there was something more for them. Through a class they took at their church they learned in a very real way to be open to whatever God had for them. They were so open that they even went to Spanish language school for a summer in Costa Rica because they thought it would be good for them to have that tool in their tool belt. Little did they know, God would use that later to do amazing and unexpected things! Losing their business was incredibly hard and yet God was using it to open some amazing doors across the world. The next chapter of their lives was beginning. Make sure you come back next Wednesday to hear what happens next! ________Topic's covered in today's episode: Seattle, finances, 2008 recession, financial crisis, Spain, the Basques, Costa Rica, missions________Perspectives USA (the class Brock + Nancy took)Summer in the USAWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Manny Rojas joined us in the studio for another episode of The Stories Collective podcast! We think this is a really great conversation as we are in back-to-school time. Manny is a husband and father and one of his biggest passions is pursuing physical fitness in a Christ-centered way. However, it wasn't something that he was always passionate about. Manny begins his story by telling us how he met his wife and pursued serving in the Marine Corps. He and his wife moved around a few times as jobs changed, and the Marine Corps required his service in different areas. He eventually transitioned out of active service with the Marines and this big change slowly caught up with him making him feel depressed and struggling to know what his purpose was. He sought medical help but was set up with the standard treatment of pills having no other guidance on how to move forward. Something needed to change in Manny's life. One day a friend invited him to work out as he was training to be a personal trainer and needed to get some experience. Manny agreed to help his friend not knowing that this would begin to change his life. Manny offers an important perspective on taking care of our physical bodies to not only benefit in a personal way but in a spiritual way. A concept he talks about is focusing on PIES -Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Spiritual wellbeing in health. This is so crucial when it comes to having a holistic mindset in following God. ________Other topics covered in today's episode: The Marine Corps, tower climbing, 2008 recession, healthcare, working out, health and fitness journey_______Connect with Manny - SaintNFC@gmail.comLet him know you heard about him on The Stories Collective podcast!Lee Patterson's testimony, Episode 5*available wherever you listen to podcastsWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Cindy Morrison is in the studio with us today! Cindy kicked off the episode by reminding us that saying yes to God opens us up to the beautiful things He has in store. Despite being saved at 12 and growing up in a Christian environment, Cindy struggled with a consistent relationship with God and felt frustrated by the overbearing legalism around her. Some of you may have experienced similar circumstances. After high school, she distanced herself from church, but 12 years later, a visit from her sister-in-law led her back to faith. Building a relationship with Jesus can take time, and He is so patient with us! As Cindy said, it's been a lifelong journey to get to where she is now as a person and with her faith. She discussed her long, tumultuous relationship and how she eventually realized that, as her body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, she deserved to be treated with respect and honor. This led her to divorce and move on from her difficult situation and marriage, all while holding onto the good things God had done through it. She emphasized the importance of having community through her healing process—mentors, counselors, friends, and those in various life seasons helped her grow closer to God. God can teach us and encourage us through all different types of people! Now living in Arizona and part of our church community, Cindy's story highlights the value of letting God define our identity, not the culture or people around us. Tune in to hear her powerful message of perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of community!________Other topic's covered in today's episode: Wisconsin, hiking, singleness, divorce, community, church life, abuse________Resident Strangers podcast episode on divorce*available wherever you listen to podcastsDivorce Care Ministry at DSCC50+ Ministry at DSCCWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Welcome back to The Stories Collective! It is such a privilege to have Jon Gleason share with us today! We hope his story encourages you that God is the provider and protector. Jon first shares with Sarah that he loves to travel with his wife in their RV. As you listen to his story, you will find that traveling is a prominent theme throughout his life. Jon grew up in a Christian family, and his parents were actually missionaries in the Navajo reservation up North. This allowed him to grow up in an environment that loved God. Even so, there were difficulties since he was an outsider to the Navajo culture and basically lived in the middle of nowhere.  He was saved when he was 9 years old. After high school at age 17, Jon joined the Air Force and worked as a jet aircraft maintenance worker for 23 years, with some off time in between. Because of this, he frequently moved around the country and the world. Jon shared story after story of how he faced several near-death experiences, even starting from the time he graduated from high school. One day when he was home working with his parents' missionary team and a missionary group that came from Southern California, he was asked to drive to King's Canyon to pick up the wife of someone who was working with them. Jon took her husband, Jon's brother, and a couple of people from the California team–one of whom happened to be his future wife! On the way there, it had been raining and unfortunately, they hit a mud slick causing their car to roll, and it came within 10 feet of falling off a 200-foot cliff. Meaning that they almost rolled over a very tall cliff and were literally inches away from possible death! But God–don't you just love those words? God protected him and everyone in the car and they were all safe. Jon witnessed God's protection over and over again. Also, God really does bring beauty from chaos because that day allowed Jon to get to know Janet, the woman from the California team that he took with him who would later be his wife! Then when Jon first enlisted in the military, he was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. These scary experiences both in Vietnam and in the U.S. allowed Jon to grow his faith and trust in the Lord. As Jon went through so many life changes, transitions, and hardships, he pushed through each obstacle and continued to follow God's plan for him and his family with a grateful mindset. He also was intentional in creating community in each location. After moving across the world several times from being in the Air Force and retiring, he moved back to Arizona in the 1990s and started going to the original building of our church, Desert Springs! After a few more job changes Arizona finally became Jon's home in 2019 and has stayed plugged in our ministries ever since! Jon shared so many other stories of God's faithfulness, you'll have to listen for yourself!For information on Sew + Serve at DSCC email Ginny Lewis at ginnylewis64@gmail.comFor information on the 50+ Ministry at DSCC email Don Greenfield at don@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Today's episode is one that was two and a half years in the making. We are so excited to be sharing our conversation with Janelle Smith! Janelle and her family have been a part of Desert Springs for almost 20 years. The first 20 minutes are so sweet as Janelle shares about her life in California, detailing how she fell in love with a motorcycle mechanic named Rex and became a mom. Though there were challenges that came with being newlyweds and a blended family, Janelle embraced the changes. One of the things that Janelle highlights is how she and Rex established their faith and desired to bring their kids into Christian community. You will enjoy hearing the many stories shared in the first part of this conversation and will feel like you have a sense of who Janelle is (you'll want to be her friend!). Unknowingly in the background of all these stories, Rex was having some serious heart issues. He had his first heart attack at age 40, which was a very traumatic experience not only because he was so young but because he was home alone with their baby son when it happened. One year after the heart attack, Janelle, Rex and the kids moved to Arizona as Rex had gotten a new job. Unfortunately, the career change didn't work out and soon Janelle became the sole provider for the family. She worked two jobs (one being a paper route), cared for her kids and was the full-time caretaker for Rex. Around this time, Rex was also diagnosed with congestive heart failure and given 5 years to live. It is hard to sum up here what that time was like but also how God's faithfulness came through in so many ways. In 2009 after being on the transplant list for a very short time, Janelle + Rex got notified that there was a heart available. They felt like it was a miracle to receive a heart so quickly. Though this heart gave Rex 13 more years to live, life became very difficult afterwards. We appreciate Janelle's openness in how she shares about these years and what it was like to be a caretaker, provider, wife and mom. Janelle's testimony is real and raw and yet filled with hope through God's faithfulness. The fullness of her story and what God has done in her life cannot be summed up here - we encourage you to listen. Haley Smith's testimony (Janelle's daughter!), Episode 46 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RaxOHfxcxX5wFiL64K8Ti?si=d072e7b7369a406f*available wherever you listen to podcastsWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Joel Sinclair joined us in the studio to share his testimony with us! Joel and his wife Rebeccah serve a lot here at Desert Springs, you've probably seen their entire family serving on the Welcome Team together. Joel begins his story by sharing about his life growing up in small town Indiana. His family attended church, but Joel struggled to fully commit his life to Christ. He believed in God but was not walking in that way describing that many around him probably would not have known that he was a Christian. There was a roughly 10-year period that he didn't really have anything to do with faith related things. Joel reflects on the fact that he was never given any concrete reasons to believe in Jesus or the Bible, it was just something that people around him did. He ended up serving in the Marines and during a deployment in Iraq he began to think more seriously about his faith and made the decision to start following Jesus. It was also during this time that he met his wife Rebeccah who was also serving in the Marines. Joel and Rebeccah ended up moving to Arizona and shortly after that Joel was medically retired from the Marines somewhat suddenly. Though it was a difficult shift in his life the Lord used it to create space for Joel to begin walking down a new path. While attending Desert Springs Joel took an apologetics class and this awakened a passion in him for understanding, articulating, defending and teaching the faith. Before he knew it Joel was pursuing degrees in this area and even working in full-time ministry. He shares many testimonies within this story on how the Lord provided for this unexpected path He had him on. We're thankful for Joel's example in being faithful to follow what God has next. Check out Joel's podcast, E3 Underground - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZgvyDRwHg9hX7zPbXuf18?si=0b6eae6881b44fbf*available wherever you listen to podcastsRebeccah Sinclair's testimony (Joel's wife!), Episode 77 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dMgUCrAGpwQk23K807dyP?si=f96a0378f6af4e59*available wherever you listen to podcastsChrist, Culture & Coffee podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/259GdUZGwZNgxUzUIsYtGI?si=5c4585e5f5eb4159*available wherever you listen to podcastsWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Sarah and Julie Osmundsen begin their conversation with talking about their love of east coast beaches, specifically the beaches in Delaware that they have both vacationed at many times. Another fun fact they talk about is that Julie and her husband Gary used to teach natural child birthing classes! You will get a sense of the ease that comes with talking with Julie. When they get into her story Julie shares that she was the youngest of seven kids. It was a blended family, making the house very busy and unfortunately also dysfunctional. Her parents had actually divorced but they still lived together in the home which created a difficult dynamic. Julie's Dad was verbally, emotionally and physically abusive and her childhood was rough. This experience inspired her to become a special education teacher because she wanted to reach kids that had a hard time. Growing up, Julie had never heard about Jesus but believed in God though she never went to church or had a Bible. Before entering college, she worked at a YMCA where a co-worker who was a Christian introduced her to Jesus. Her conversion experience is so sweet! Later Julie talks about praying for God to use her as an encouragement to others and God used a unique event to allow that to happen. She ended up getting Bell's Palsy from a soccer injury, but God had a plan and purpose for this! He used her injury to encourage and inspire others. Another amazing part to Julie's story is her process of reconciling with her Dad. There are so many wonderful stories included in this podcast! Julie shares about teaching special education in five different states, life with four kids, the power of evangelism, not letting circumstances define you and so much more. You will be encouraged by this conversation with a wonderful woman of God!Gary Osmundsen's testimony (Julie's husband!), Episode 112 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2e7DwQ5X23AEJzDLzNNqrM?si=fb683d191faf44a7*available wherever you listen to podcastsEvangelism Training and Opportunities at DSCC - email Pastor Shawn at shawn@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

It was a privilege to have Kyle Moore join us for this episode of The Stories Collective! Kyle was born and raised in Arizona and he and his family began attending Desert Springs last summer. You may have even seen Kyle baptized back in May! In today's conversation Kyle really takes us on a journey through his life. Shortly before he was born his parents had come to know the Lord. Their family began attending church and incorporating God into their lives. Kyle describes definitely feeling that spiritual influence but struggling to fully commit, feeling like he was one foot in and one foot out. At around age 11 he was exposed to pornography, and this started a struggle that plagued him for many, many years. He never opened up with anyone about this struggle and felt like he couldn't even bring it to the Lord. Like many Christians Kyle desired to be married and thought that marriage would help to solve this problem. He met and married his wife Meagan but unfortunately it became apparent how deep this struggle was. Kyle still suffered from this addiction alone, not revealing to anyone around him what was truly going on. After years and years of this secret sin Kyle attended a Men's Retreat where the Lord worked in his heart in an incredible way. Being surrounded by community he finally spoke out loud about his addiction and began to feel this weight lifted. He was joined together with other men and began a yearlong road to recovery. Kyle even shared with his wife and though it was hard his marriage was transformed for the better. This is a testimony of transformation through the healing found in God's grace. Be encouraged as you listen and share with someone who might be in the same place. For other stories about recovery from pornography addiction, check out our episodes featuring Randy Donithan (Ep. 104), Trevor Schalow (Ep. 106) + Bradley Chaddick (Ep. 120).If you find yourself struggling with a sexual addiction you are not alone. We want to help. Email Pastor Trevor at trevor@dscchurch.com to get started. Pure Desire Ministries - https://puredesire.orgWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Sarah Schalow invites you to reflect on the 2nd quarter of this year! The last 10 episodes on this podcast have covered a wide range of topics but have certainly highlighted the importance of having faith in God. The stories shared have included loving the Lord through deep thinking, freedom from intense physical and emotional abuse, a marriage saved, mission work in the Philippines, miraculous healing from cancer, seeking authentic community, overseas adoption, recovery from pornography and sex addiction, living a life of service and so much more. If you aren't caught up on our last 10 episodes we would highly encourage you to do so. Sarah shares how these stories have reminded her of the importance of being proactive in routines that bring health in her spiritual life. She also speaks about being challenged to simply have faith no matter what the circumstances are. Being halfway through 2024 it is important to be centered on God, remembering to rejoice, have hope and be constant in His ways. We continue to pray that these stories are reaching you right where you are and are increasing your faith in God who is alive and working.  Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We are really looking forward to you hearing this conversation with Jan Maruska! Jan has been a part of Desert Springs for many years and truly lives a life of service. Jan is a mom of three boys and has eight grandchildren. Some of her grandchildren even attended VBS at Desert Springs years ago and that is where they gave their lives to the Lord. Jan takes us back to her early life growing up in Minnesota. Church was a part of her family life, but it wasn't until high school that she came to truly know the Lord. It was the practice of communion that really caused Jan to understand the Gospel. From a very young age, Jan felt a passion for serving. It's almost like it was in her DNA. You will really enjoy hearing the way she humbly describes all of the ways God led her to serve. If there was a need Jan was there! Eventually Jan grew tired of the cold and snow and made her way to Arizona in 2009. God led her to Desert Springs, and she unsurprisingly jumped right into serving here and has been ever since. If you name a ministry at Desert Springs Jan has probably been involved in some way. We so appreciate her heart and spirit that is so committed to serving the Lord. All in all, Jan encourages all of us to lean into how the Lord has gifted us and to use those talents for His glory. If you're not currently serving, take this as your sign to get to it! The Lord wants to use you!1 Peter 4:10 - "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."For information on Sew & Serve at DSCC email Ginny Lewis at ginnylewis64@gmail.comFor information on Loving Stitchers at DSCC email Linda Cook at dalelindacook@hotmail.comMeals & More at DSCC: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/groups/care-support-group/meals-more-ministryGod's Gals Connect Group: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1388386Ginny Lewis' testimony on The Stories Collective, Episode 33: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cVoYNpNQGEIb2WK6txkkh?si=f5207e636cf34686*available wherever you listen to podcastsJim Glass' testimony on The Stories Collective, Episode 3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/18vqdWPPV2Agzvu1cZctiP?si=436199307dcb4b84*available wherever you listen to podcastsWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Today's conversation with Brad Chaddick is a great one! Sarah and Brad begin with a classic Arizona conversation - complaining about the heat. Brad starts his story by sharing about his childhood growing up in southern California and attending a mega church. He has many sweet memories associated with that time in his life, but he also says he feels some key elements of a walk with Christ were missing. The community felt surface level and any sin issue was talked about with a lot of shame and condemnation. Around 5th grade Brad was exposed to pornography while serving on a mission trip in Japan. This began a struggle that lasted over a decade. At one point Brad tried to open up about his struggle but he was only met with "just pray about it" or "Jesus will heal you." These statements paired with his sin unfortunately led to a lot of doubts. If prayers don't lead to healing what does that mean? Like many Christians who are addicted to pornography Brad thought that marriage would help to solve this problem. He met his wife Sarah-Ann in college but unfortunately this struggle came into their marriage as well. By the grace of God Brad began attending a 12-step program and for the first time in his life he felt like he had help. Healing began to take place. But why wasn't this found initially in the church? Brad shares more about how he had to confront his disillusionment with the church and how he had to come back to a true relationship with Jesus. We appreciate the way Brad articulates his desire for authentic, deep community centered in Christ. Though he had struggled with connections he did not give up. The Lord came through in some amazing ways. You'll hear about his journey to community and how a lot of that has happened at Desert Springs. We would really encourage you to listen to this story and take hold of the challenges Brad presents!Tuesday night Men's Connect Group at DSCC: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/groups/connect-groups/tuesday-night-men-s-fellowshipBrandon Baker's testimony on The Stories Collective, Episode 36: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AP4LhnEg5mBxtnhJORwoG?si=f566fc3fcc3b4658*available wherever you listen to podcasts  Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We are excited to share today's conversation with Sarah Schraeder with you! We are especially thankful she made time to share as she was 34 weeks pregnant at the time of the recording! This is a unique and miraculous testimony with lots of layers. Sarah and her husband Jared moved to Arizona two years ago from Washington state. Sarah loves being a stay-at-home mom but if you had told her even just five years ago that she would be doing that she would've laughed. At age 19 Sarah had been told that it would be difficult and most likely not possible for her to become pregnant, and she was actually okay with that. Sarah and Jared married in 2018 and spent the first few years of their marriage traveling and enjoying life without being tied down to anything specific. They were fully planning their future without kids. In April 2020 Sarah received a huge surprise - she found out she was pregnant. We appreciate Sarah's openness in describing her reaction and how she and her husband came to terms with this big change. When their son Peart was born 8 months later their whole world changed for the better. It is amazing to hear about the transformation of her heart. But this is only half of Sarah's story! The conversation flashes forward to the fall of 2023 when Sarah found a lump on her breast. She was only 28. The doctors had a very grim outlook telling her that it was a 95% chance that she had cancer as the growth was extremely rare. While Sarah was in the process of getting scanned and tested, she found out she was pregnant again. This time she and Jared were overjoyed even in the midst of this potential cancer diagnosis. Sarah describes it as the doctors almost didn't know what to do with her because she was so faith filled in a situation that for many would seem so bleak. She of course continued with her pregnancy while beginning to move forward with an oncology team. And then suddenly in March 2024 after months of tests and preparation the lump was undetectable. It was gone! Did God work a miraculous healing? As you listen you will be truly inspired by Sarah's faith. The way she articulates the trust and hope she has in the Lord is unlike any we've shared before. Be praying as Sarah and Jared prepare to welcome their second baby boy in July of this year!Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We are blessed to be sharing today's conversation with Ninfa West with you! Ninfa starts by giving us some background and context for who she is. A unique part of Ninfa is that she is a Sephardic Jew (who knows Jesus as her Savior

Josh and Rachel Fricovsky joined us in the studio to share their testimony of how the Lord saved and redeemed their marriage. This is an episode you're going to want to share with people! Josh and Rachel were married in 2021 after meeting at their office jobs in Colorado. They fondly remember their side conversations on Slack and how they fell in love at work. After getting married Josh and Rachel wanted a fresh start and made plans to move to Arizona. In the process of moving, they found out they were pregnant with their daughter Ruth. A move to a different state, recent marriage and pregnancy was a lot to take in at one time! A key element missing in their marriage was Christ. Josh had a faith background and Rachel did not and when they married God was not something they included in their relationship. Being new to Arizona they also didn't have a solid community, especially one that was centered on Christ. After Ruth was born Josh and Rachel felt their stress escalate quickly. All of the change came to a head, and they ended up separating. They began to take steps to legally end their marriage. But thankfully that is not where their story ends! Listen in to hear about how the Lord worked in their lives individually to bring them back to Him and back to each other. Our culture goes against so much of what God wants and it is amazing to hear Josh and Rachel articulate how they found their way in the Lord. Marriage is such a beautiful picture of Christ and the church!Divorce Care at DSCC: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2060995Divorce Care for Kids at DSCC: https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1944890MomCo (formerly MOPS) at DSCC: email Danielle Schalow at elleray1@gmail.comThe Now Life Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DLpahhlEwZvhqAs0GgKWt?si=d64a33fd480e413bWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

We are happy to share today's interview with Teri Sellers! Teri has been a part of Desert Springs for over 10 years. She has been a huge part of our Care & Support ministries as she facilitates our Alzheimer's support groups. Teri has always had a passion for helping people. She was born in Chicago and her family moved to Oklahoma when she was 12 years old. Teri describes herself as someone who always moved around a lot, with 5 years being the typical length of time she would spend somewhere. She grew up Catholic and carried that belief and her involvement in the church into her adult life. In addition to being a devout Catholic Teri would watch televangelists. One that she watched would always encourage people to get involved in a local Bible believing church at the end of his message. Through that televangelist and some things she began questioning in the Catholic church she was led to start trying local evangelical churches. Though the change was somewhat traumatic Teri explains how grateful she is for that event as she came to know Jesus as her personal Savior and understood what a loving church community looked like. She was even baptized at Desert Springs! A big point Teri makes is the importance of not just attending a church but being fully involved in one. The conversation goes back in time a little bit as Teri walks us through how her 30+ year career in Alzheimer's support began. Working to help the AIDS crisis in Florida gave her an understanding for what families go through when someone in that family unit has a terminal disease. It really is a beautiful story as God revealed this specific calling to care for those affected by Alzheimer's. You will hear some great testimonies as Teri shares some stories from her time in this line of work. A few weeks after this interview was recorded Teri made the decision to move back to Oklahoma. We will miss Teri dearly and are so thankful for her time and service here at Desert Springs!Alzheimer's Support Groups - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1900233Care & Support Groups - https://dscchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1882239Connect with Teri - teri_sellers@msn.comResident Strangers podcast on Baptism - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cnvaMZAM7pcXHS2xLJFAt?si=db45ff3845a748b0*available wherever you listen to podcastsWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!