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Collapsed roads strand thousands beyond easy reach in flood-ravaged Nepal, while a 25-year counterterrorism review asks whether America is ready for threats armed with drones and AI. A prenatal screen can raise life-and-death questions before diagnosis. Plus: an electrician spends six hours trapped inside a 130-foot truck-stop sign, musicians make joy from wind and steam, Daniel Suhr considers the leverage behind Seattle's narrowly averted teachers strike, and the Thursday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From World Watch. A 10-minute daily news program that explores current events for students 5-12th grade. This high-energy show connects learners to the present, history and communities around the world. Join 40,000 Christian families that utilize World Watch as a tool to foster curiosity and have conversations about today's news as a discipleship rhythm within their families. “Whatever the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand!” First time? Take advantage of a 30-days free trial at worldwatch.news/podcast. Not ready to sign up? Check out a free episode at get.worldwatch.news/free-episode. And from Boyce College—a Christ-centered education built on the truth of God's Word. Every student—no matter their major—takes 30 hours of Bible and theology, learning how to think biblically, live faithfully, and lead with conviction. Formed from the 160-year legacy of Southern Seminary, Boyce College prepares students for maximum faithfulness in the world, the workplace, the church, and the family. Learn more at boycecollege.com
Hunter Baker has more Washington than Wednesday can hold: Pentagon upheaval, the politics of AI data centers, Social Security's looming reckoning—and a lightning round besides. In Venezuela, an earthquake exposes a crisis years in the making, while Mary Muncy looks past Dolly Parton's carefully built image to the faith and roots beneath it. Plus: cheaper raccoon permits, and Maria Baer on the friend who asks, and Wednesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Boyce College—which offers a Christ-centered education built on the truth of God's Word. Every student—no matter their major—takes 30 hours of Bible and theology, learning how to think biblically, live faithfully, and lead with conviction.Formed from the 160-year legacy of Southern Seminary, Boyce College prepares students for maximum faithfulness in the world, the workplace, the church, and the family.Learn more at boycecollege.comFrom World Watch. A 10-minute daily news program that explores current events for students 5-12th grade. This high-energy show connects learners to the present, history and communities around the world. Join 40,000 Christian families that utilize World Watch as a tool to foster curiosity and have conversations about today's news as a discipleship rhythm within their families. “Whatever the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand!” First time? Take advantage of a 30-days free trial at worldwatch.news/podcast. Not ready to sign up? Check out a free episode at get.worldwatch.news/free-episode. And from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
It's More than Peanut Butter for Jesse and Caleb Mangum When Caleb Mangum lost his job in 2012, he did not set out to build a nut butter company. He simply faced an unexpected turn in the road and took a step of faith, trusting God to provide for his family and lead him forward. That step became the beginning of Nutty Novelties. What started as a leap into the unknown slowly grew into a business with purpose. Caleb poured himself into creating a quality product. Every jar became another reminder that God had faithfully met a need, and every challenge became another opportunity to trust Him for what came next. Then, seven years later, Caleb's younger brother, Jesse Mangum '19, joined the effort after graduating from Cedarville University with a degree in global business. Jesse brought fresh energy, strong business training, and the same desire to keep Christ at the center. Together, the brothers found a rhythm that felt less like a corporate partnership and more like a family calling. Their brotherhood matters. Caleb and Jesse share values, memories, and a deep trust in one another. They work hard, laugh often, and lean on the biblical foundation that has shaped both of their lives. They believe the best businesses are built one relationship at a time, measuring success not only by what they produce but by how they serve the people God places in their paths. They are also quick to recognize the people who work alongside them and the friends and family who have encouraged them along the way. Time and again, God has provided the right person with the right wisdom at just the right moment. Those experiences have reinforced their conviction that success is never a solo effort but a testimony to God's faithfulness working through His people. That spirit came through when the brothers recently shared their journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast. For Caleb and Jesse Mangum, every jar of Nutty Novelties tells a bigger story — one of God's faithfulness, the strength of family, and the joy of serving others together. https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c138e3ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jegk-TljPY
Venezuela makes a once-unimaginable turn toward American oil investment, privacy advocates propose “collective bargaining” for personal data, and Trump's FDA nominee inherits a long-stalled review of the abortion pill. Plus: Where religion becomes rule, Cal Thomas on the test that caught his cancer, a Vermont woman growing a dress so slowly the fashion trend may come back around, and the Tuesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From World Watch. A 10-minute daily news program that explores current events for students 5-12th grade. This high-energy show connects learners to the present, history and communities around the world. Join 40,000 Christian families that utilize World Watch as a tool to foster curiosity and have conversations about today's news as a discipleship rhythm within their families. “Whatever the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand!” First time? Take advantage of a 30-days free trial at worldwatch.news/podcast. Not ready to sign up? Check out a free episode at get.worldwatch.news/free-episode. And from Boyce College—which offers a Christ-centered education built on the truth of God's Word. Every student—no matter their major—takes 30 hours of Bible and theology, learning how to think biblically, live faithfully, and lead with conviction.Formed from the 160-year legacy of Southern Seminary, Boyce College prepares students for maximum faithfulness in the world, the workplace, the church, and the family.Learn more at boycecollege.com
Legal Docket previews a Supreme Court clash over whether Colorado can require Catholic preschools to set aside religious standards for public funding even as secular providers tailor enrollment. New Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh on a quieter central bank on MoneyBeat. And Yazidi families are still searching for more than 2,000 missing since the ISIS genocide. Legal Docket, Moneybeat, WORLD History Book—and the morning news on this last Monday of August.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Boyce College—which offers a Christ-centered education built on the truth of God's Word. Every student—no matter their major—takes 30 hours of Bible and theology, learning how to think biblically, live faithfully, and lead with conviction. Formed from the 160-year legacy of Southern Seminary, Boyce College prepares students for maximum faithfulness in the world, the workplace, the church, and the family. Learn more at boycecollege.comFrom World Watch. A 10-minute daily news program that explores current events for students 5-12th grade. This high-energy show connects learners to the present, history and communities around the world. Join 40,000 Christian families that utilize World Watch as a tool to foster curiosity and have conversations about today's news as a discipleship rhythm within their families. “Whatever the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand!” First time? Take advantage of a 30-days free trial at worldwatch.news/podcast. Not ready to sign up? Check out a free episode at get.worldwatch.news/free-episode.And from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
The Rejection That Redirected Her Life ForeverFor years, Briana Zalewski believed becoming a physician assistant would give her the purpose she was searching for. After earning a pre-medical undergraduate degree, working in health care and facing repeated rejection from PA programs, she wondered whether her dream would ever become reality.Then she found Cedarville University.From her on-campus interview, Briana sensed Cedarville was different. Moving away from her home near Detroit, she entered a Christ-centered community where classmates prayed with her, professors encouraged her and faculty demonstrated what it meant to make Jesus central to every part of life.Briana came to Cedarville to become a physician assistant. But through studying Scripture, prayer and relationships with people devoted to Christ, she discovered something far greater: a personal relationship with Jesus.Her newfound faith sustained her through the demands of PA school, clinical rotations and significant life changes. Today, Briana is back in suburban Detroit, caring for patients at a dermatology practice with compassion and an eternal perspective.The program didn't just shape Briana's career, it completely changed the trajectory of her life.Listen as Briana shares how rejection ultimately redirected her toward faith, purpose and a transformed life.https://share.transistor.fm/s/e26a2689https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WxSn6TXG0M
Inside Cedarville's Entrepreneurial IncubatorAt the Hustle House, no one builds a business alone. Every day brings opportunities to ask questions, test ideas, celebrate progress, and pray through challenges. For the Cedarville University students who call the house home, entrepreneurship grows best in a community that encourages hard work, demands excellence, and keeps Christ at the center.Will Woods '27, Aaron Perry '26, Josh Hochstedler '28, and their housemates intentionally created the Hustle House to give entrepreneurs the support that often disappears when someone tries to build a business alone. Living under one roof creates daily opportunities to exchange ideas, ask hard questions, share victories, and encourage perseverance. The house thrives on a simple belief: Entrepreneurs grow stronger in community.That conviction shapes everyday life. Whiteboards covered with business strategies share space with textbooks and class notes. Conversations shift naturally from customer acquisition to homework and from product ideas to prayer. Housemates sharpen one another through candid feedback, celebrate each other's progress, and hold one another accountable for pursuing excellence in business, academics, and their walks with Christ. The shared environment gives every resident fresh energy to pursue meaningful work while simultaneously earning their college degree.The encouragement extends beyond the walls of the house. Residents regularly connect with aspiring entrepreneurs, Christian business-owners, and students who simply want to learn. As Josh Hochstedler explained on the Cedarville Stories podcast, entrepreneurship begins with people — with asking questions, listening well, and having the courage to take the first step. That mindset has become part of the culture of the Hustle House, where curiosity, humility, and generosity shape every conversation.The same culture fuels Entrepreneurs for Christ, a national movement that grew from the relationships formed inside the Hustle House. The organization equips Generation Z entrepreneurs to build businesses that serve a purpose far greater than profit. Its founders encourage young business leaders to create companies that care for their families, create opportunities for employees, strengthen their communities, and honor Christ through faithful stewardship. As Entrepreneurs for Christ continues to expand, the Hustle House remains its living laboratory. Learn more about Cedarville University.https://share.transistor.fm/s/21df907chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWeC_w95b2k
Culture Friday: John Stonestreet on whether recent wins for whistleblowers and religious liberty add up to real cultural change, two former NBA players pushing the WNBA to define what a “woman” is, and the University of Michigan's move away from letter grades. Plus, a review of the new Reagan drama The Brink of War, a preview of WORLD's new Doubletake series on Kayla Mueller, and the Friday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Unbound's Ascend program. Leadership training, like-minded peer community, and career prep for young adults 16 and older. Beunbound.us/world.And from Covenant College in Georgia. Looking for a Christ-centered education with a deep commitment to academic excellence? Located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant College students thrive in a Christ-centered community and are equipped to pursue their callings through a vibrant liberal arts education. Applications for Fall 2027 are open, and students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $2,000. More at Covenant.edu/world
Iran's threats force a secret escape for President Trump and bring a wave of cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure, WPATH backtracks on its own standards of care, and Britain's homeless population may be undercounted. Plus, a 102-year-old veteran who isn't ready to slow down, WORLD commentator Janie B. Cheaney on renewal without the church, a snake stowed away in a football helmet, and the Thursday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Covenant College in Georgia. Looking for a Christ-centered education with a deep commitment to academic excellence? Located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant College students thrive in a Christ-centered community and are equipped to pursue their callings through a vibrant liberal arts education. Applications for Fall 2027 are open, and students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $2,000. More at Covenant.edu/world.From Unbound's Ascend program. Leadership training, like-minded peer community, and career prep for young adults 16 and older. Beunbound.us/world.And from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
Washington Wednesday on the rise of democratic socialist candidates, the South Carolina Senate runoff, and Massachusetts's new abortion law. Plus, World Tour on Greenland's growing strategic importance, a rural Mississippi chess program built by a secret donor, WORLD commentator Cal Thomas on America's stubborn dependence on Middle East oil, a giant bull's brief escape in Alabama, and the Wednesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Unbound's Ascend program. Leadership training, like-minded peer community, and career prep for young adults 16 and older. Beunbound.us/world.And from Covenant College in Georgia. Looking for a Christ-centered education with a deep commitment to academic excellence? Located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant College students thrive in a Christ-centered community and are equipped to pursue their callings through a vibrant liberal arts education. Applications for Fall 2027 are open, and students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $2,000. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Emily Tuttle: From the Family Room to the Press Box Long before Emily Tuttle filled notebooks with game stories or rushed through postgame interviews, she spent time with her family watching whatever sporting event happened to be on television. Together they celebrated thrilling victories, debated coaching decisions, and relived unforgettable moments long after the final whistle. Those traditions nurtured more than a love for sports — they instilled an appreciation for the relationships, teamwork, and stories behind every game.As her interest grew, Emily realized she was drawn less to the final score than to the people who made the moments possible. She wanted to understand what motivated athletes, how coaches built successful cultures, and why certain competitions left lasting impressions. Sports journalism became the perfect way to combine her love of writing, curiosity, and passion for competition with her faith in Jesus.Now a senior at Cedarville focusing on a career in sports journalism, Emily is turning that dream into reality. On the Cedarville Stories podcast, she described approaching every opportunity with the determination of an athlete pursuing excellence. Last winter, she earned a coveted spot in the NCAA Final Four Full Court Press program, covering the Men's Basketball Final Four--one of college basketball's premier events while learning from experienced sports journalists. She also completed an internship with the Rockford Rivets, gaining hands-on experience in sports communications through game-day operations, media relations, and fan engagement.Emily believes success is built through preparation. Every interview strengthens her confidence, every deadline sharpens her skills, and every assignment prepares her for the next opportunity.Wherever her career leads — from local stadiums to major sporting events — Emily's foundation remains the same. Her passion was born in a living room where faith shaped her perspective, family encouraged her dreams, and a shared love of sports inspired the storyteller she is becoming.Learn more about Cedarville University.https://share.transistor.fm/s/4e26f86fhttps://youtu.be/XlJfAzApq98
A whistleblower's fight against Texas Children's Hospital, neighbors helping neighbors through the Spokane wildfires, and a water rights dispute along the border wall. Plus, the debate over labeling AI-generated music, a 150-year-overdue library book gives a glimpse into another time, WORLD commentator Bethel McGrew on the investigation that shut down an organ donation program, and the Tuesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Covenant College in Georgia. Looking for a Christ-centered education with a deep commitment to academic excellence? Located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant College students thrive in a Christ-centered community and are equipped to pursue their callings through a vibrant liberal arts education. Applications for Fall 2027 are open, and students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $2,000. More at Covenant.edu/world.From Unbound's Ascend program. Leadership training, like-minded peer community, and career prep for young adults 16 and older. Beunbound.us/world.And from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
Legal Docket on how religious liberty protections vary from state to state, Moneybeat on Gen Z and what's really squeezing their finances, a History Book look back at the players' strike that sank the Montreal Expos, and the Monday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Covenant College in Georgia. Looking for a Christ-centered education with a deep commitment to academic excellence? Located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant College students thrive in a Christ-centered community and are equipped to pursue their callings through a vibrant liberal arts education. Applications for Fall 2027 are open, and students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $2,000. More at Covenant.edu/world.And from Unbound's Ascend program. Leadership training, like-minded peer community, and career prep for young adults 16 and older. Beunbound.us/world.
What should you know about the Qur'an? How do Muslims think and view the world around them? How could a better understanding help when it comes to our relationships with neighbors, our Christian witness and even missions?In this encore episode, Matt Bennett, a former missionary in the Middle East, joined the Christian Emergency Podcast to answer these questions and more. Now a professor at Cedarville University, Matt shares helpful insights from his book, the Qur'an and the Christian. Matt blends the views of Islamic believers, secular Qur'an scholars and Christian missionaries to craft a very unique perspective. By combining this into one guide, Matt's work will help equip Christians to share the biblical Gospel with friends and neighbors who follow Islam, no matter where you live.If you find this material helpful, please share it with your friends and leave us a five-star rating wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also, don't forget to subscribe to the show, so you'll never miss out when new episodes drop.To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following.The Qur'an and the Christian, by Matt Bennett (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Christian-Depth-Islam-Followers/dp/0825447089Matt Bennett on Twitter: @MABennett82Christian Emergency Alliance: https://www.christianemergency.com/Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Twitter: @ChristianEmerg1Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Facebook: @ChristianEmergencyThe Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria
How prepared are we for an attack on our infrastructure? Sterling and Donna ask Dr. Donna Schlagheck. And they learn more about all these data centers springing up around Ohio when they talk to Micah Cooper of Cedarville University.
How prepared are we for an attack on our infrastructure? Sterling and Donna ask Dr. Donna Schlagheck. And they learn more about all these data centers springing up around Ohio when they talk to Micah Cooper of Cedarville University.
How prepared are we for an attack on our infrastructure? Sterling and Donna ask Dr. Donna Schlagheck. And they learn more about all these data centers springing up around Ohio when they talk to Micah Cooper of Cedarville University.
Standing for the VulnerableBehind courtroom briefs and legal filings are real people whose lives have been devastated by exploitation. Christen Price knows their stories well. As a civil rights attorney with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, the 2009 Cedarville University graduate has devoted her career to seeking justice for victims and pressing some of the world's largest technology companies to do more to protect the vulnerable.Grounded in a biblical conviction that every person is created in the image of God, Christen has answered a calling to stand beside those whose voices have too often been silenced.Her work is not easy. Day after day, Christen confronts the heartbreaking realities of human trafficking, child sexual abuse material, and the ways technology can be used to exploit the innocent. Yet she has chosen to walk toward the darkness rather than away from it, convinced that every life is worth defending and that justice is an expression of loving her neighbor.Along the way, Christen has helped secure victories that once seemed out of reach. She has worked on groundbreaking litigation that held powerful online platforms accountable, helping cases survive early legal challenges and paving the way for greater protection of victims. Each victory serves as a reminder that even the largest corporations are not beyond accountability when courageous people refuse to give up.Christen also understands that lasting change requires more than courtroom victories. Through the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's annual "Dirty Dozen List," she helps expose mainstream companies whose policies enable sexual exploitation. The list is designed not merely to criticize but to encourage reform, informing the public and motivating businesses to adopt stronger protections for children and other vulnerable individuals, which she talks about on the Cedarville Stories podcast.Every life has a story worth telling. Cedarville Stories, an official podcast of Cedarville University, features conversations with alumni, students, faculty, and friends whose lives reflect God's faithfulness and calling. To discover more stories, explore academic programs, or learn more about Cedarville University, visit cedarville.edu. https://share.transistor.fm/s/21fb2a58https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmqNM61wQGQ
On Culture Friday John Stonestreet comments on Anthony Fauci's lasting influence and what contrasting responses to Islamist attacks reveal about Western culture, plus Collin Garbarino on Spider-Man's return to friendly neighborhood heroics, another round of thoughtful listener feedback, and the Friday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Equip by Unbound. Enhancing high school with life skills coaching and hands-on projects. More at BeUnbound.us/worldFrom WORLD Watch, a 10-minute video news broadcast that the whole family can agree on. Free for the first 7 days ... worldwatch.news/podcastAnd from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
Anthony Fauci repeatedly refuses to answer Congress, American democratic socialists borrow Sweden's vocabulary for a more radical agenda, and a former Muslim apologist warns that AI fakery can turn spiritual curiosity into cynicism. Plus: a Batman en español duct-tapes suspected thieves to lampposts, a college student stumbles onto the holy grail apple, Cal Thomas considers how ego and celebrity make public trust evaporate, and the Thursday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Equip by Unbound. Enhancing high school with life skills coaching and hands-on projects. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from WORLD Watch, a 10-minute video news broadcast that the whole family can agree on. Free for the first 7 days ... worldwatch.news/podcast
In this episode, Ryan Robertson and Matt Bennett share insights on the biblical foundation of missions, the importance of local church involvement, and practical steps for aspiring missionaries. They emphasize the need for careful assessment, theological fidelity, and long-term perseverance in mission work. In our conversation, we discuss their new book, The Path to Being a Missionary: A Guide for the Aspiring (Crossway). Bennett is Associate Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University. Robertson is president of Reaching & Teaching. The mission of Reaching & Teaching is "to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders." This podcast is hosted by Ched Spellman (https://linktr.ee/chedspellman). Thanks for listening! My Most Recent Book: One Grand Story: How the Bible Tells its Story and Why it Matters Substack Series on the Canonical Approach: https://bit.ly/3rht399 Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.
Building More Than Basketball PlayersMark Scharnberg, a 1997 Cedarville University graduate, has built successful businesses throughout his career. Today, one of the projects closest to his heart isn't measured by profits; it's measured by the impact on the lives of young athletes.On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Mark describes Iowa United as more than a basketball prep school. He envisions it as a place where gifted young athletes receive the kind of coaching and development that prepares them for the changing world of college basketball. Competing in the EYBL Scholastic league places Iowa United alongside the nation's top programs, giving students an opportunity to hone their skills alongside elite competition.For Mark, however, the scoreboard has never been the whole story.He wants every athlete who joins Iowa United to leave as a stronger player. Even more, he wants each young man to become a person of character who understands what it means to follow Christ.That mission begins with presence. Mark and his wife, Jana, have moved into the Iowa United facility so they can share daily life with the students. They eat meals together, celebrate victories, work through disappointments, and have countless conversations that would never fit into a practice schedule. They open their home, their time, and their lives because they believe lasting influence grows out of genuine relationships.Mark has watched those relationships change young men. Some arrive with remarkable athletic ability but need someone to believe in them. Others need patient guidance as they mature. As trust grows, attitudes begin to change, and confidence takes root. Mark has seen players leave Iowa United ready for high-level college basketball, yet he finds even greater joy when they leave with stronger character and a clearer understanding of faith.Living together accelerates those relationships. By the time graduation arrives, many of the players feel like members of the Scharnbergs' extended family.Saying goodbye is never easy, as every student feels like family. But Mark hopes those players will one day return to encourage the next generation, creating a cycle of investment that stretches far beyond basketball.He also sees another future taking shape. Just as earlier generations of the Scharnberg family built businesses that became platforms for serving others, Mark hopes Iowa United will become a place where his own children can one day serve alongside him. His vision reaches well beyond wins and championships. He wants to build something that shapes lives for Christ and continues long after the final buzzer sounds.Every life has a story worth telling. Cedarville Stories, an official podcast of Cedarville University, features conversations with alumni, students, faculty, and friends whose lives reflect God's faithfulness and calling. To discover more stories, explore academic programs, or learn more about Cedarville University, visit cedarville.edu. https://share.transistor.fm/s/1730da6chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYF2fN9dyJU
Saudi nuclear questions, a ministry ordered off Wind River land, California's campus abortion push, and Ryan Bomberger on the lie that unplanned means unwanted. Plus, Bethel McGrew on New York's assisted-suicide law, a three-dollar Wilt Chamberlain legend, and the Tuesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Equip by Unbound. Enhancing high school with life skills coaching and hands-on projects. More at BeUnbound.us/worldFrom WORLD Watch, a 10-minute video news broadcast that the whole family can agree on. Free for the first 7 days ... worldwatch.news/podcastAnd from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
Guest: Glen DuerrSchool: Cedarville UniversityPosition: Professor of International StudiesTopic: analysis of different elements of the World Cup, including its worldwide impact, as well as its Christian faith expressions by some playersWebsite: cedarville.edu
Legal Docket on the Christian convictions Alaska Airlines treated as forbidden, Moneybeat on what the 10-year Treasury reveals about the economy, and the WORLD History Book on the Andrea Doria collision and extraordinary rescue. Plus, the Monday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Equip by Unbound. Enhancing high school with life skills coaching and hands-on projects. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from WORLD Watch, a 10-minute video news broadcast that the whole family can agree on. Free for the first 7 days ... worldwatch.news/podcast
Culture Friday with John Stonestreet on surrogacy, marriage, and children's television. Plus, The Bear's final season, Peter Gabriel protégé Joseph Arthur's hard-won faith, and the Friday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Equip by Unbound. Launching high schoolers through coaching, skills training, and interest-led projects. More at BeUnbound.us/world.And from Ambassadors Impact Network. Christian entrepreneurs scaling their companies often struggle to find capital sources that respect, and even celebrate, their redemptive mission. Ambassadors Impact Network connects these founders with angel investors seeking both financial outcomes and spiritual fruit. If you're an investor wanting to steward your capital toward gospel-advancing companies, learn about membership at ambassadorsimpact.com
Mission drift, the wrong measure, the trade-in trap—and a little fresh-squeezed freedom. Plus, Malcolm Guite on writing poetry one walk at a time, Daniel Suhr on election integrity, and the Thursday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network. Christian entrepreneurs scaling their companies often struggle to find capital sources that respect, and even celebrate, their redemptive mission. Ambassadors Impact Network connects these founders with angel investors seeking both financial outcomes and spiritual fruit. If you're an investor wanting to steward your capital toward gospel-advancing companies, learn about membership at ambassadorsimpact.comFrom Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.And from Equip by Unbound. Launching high schoolers through coaching, skills training, and interest-led projects. More at BeUnbound.us/world
Washington Wednesday on the Nixon revival, Britain's political reset, and America's 50 laboratories of democracy; World Tour looks at Cuba's communist system running on empty; and a portrait artist painting character. Plus, Albert Mohler on gender ideology in medical education, dishonor among thieves, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Equip by Unbound. Launching high schoolers through coaching, skills training, and interest-led projects. More at BeUnbound.us/worldFrom Ambassadors Impact Network. Christian entrepreneurs scaling their companies often struggle to find capital sources that respect, and even celebrate, their redemptive mission. Ambassadors Impact Network connects these founders with angel investors seeking both financial outcomes and spiritual fruit. If you're an investor wanting to steward your capital toward gospel-advancing companies, learn about membership at ambassadorsimpact.comAnd from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online
A Choice That Became a LegacyWhen Mark Scharnberg '97 chose Cedarville University as a high school senior, he had no idea where this decision would take him. Looking back, he sees God's hand at work in ways no one could have planned.Mark recently shared on the Cedarville Stories podcast that Cedarville was the only Christian university he seriously considered. "I can't even tell you why," he admitted with a smile. Yet God often uses ordinary decisions to begin extraordinary stories.As Mark arrived on campus, another story was beginning. Through a connection with then-President Paul Dixon, Cedarville invited Mark's father, Lorne Scharnberg, into conversations about serving on the University's Board of Trustees. A son's college choice opened the door to a relationship that would shape the Scharnberg family and Cedarville University for decades.Mark remembers that his father poured himself into Cedarville more than any other organization. As God prospered the family's businesses, Lorne saw every opportunity as something to steward for the Lord. Supporting Christian higher education became a natural expression of that calling because he believed Cedarville was preparing students to follow Christ wherever He led them.Over time, that conviction became Mark's conviction as well.As he assumed leadership of the family's businesses, Mark wrestled with the responsibility that comes with success. He understood that financial blessings carry both opportunity and temptation. God's gifts are meant to be used faithfully, never trusted more than the Giver Himself.That perspective shaped Mark's own commitment to Cedarville. He chose to invest because he believed in the University's unwavering commitment to God's Word and its mission to disciple students for lives of faithful service. His generosity also reassured his father that the work they had supported together would continue into the future.The Scharnberg family's story offers a picture of how God works through His people. He gives different gifts and different assignments. Some serve from a classroom. Others lead a business. Still others strengthen ministry through generous giving. Every calling becomes an act of worship when it is offered back to the Lord.A young man's decision to attend Cedarville became the first chapter of a much larger story. Through one family's faithful stewardship, generations of students have been encouraged, equipped, and sent into the world for Christ. That is the kind of story God delights to write through people who simply place what He has entrusted to them in His hands.https://share.transistor.fm/s/35e10913https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egjE9QhTTdU
Diplomatic assumptions meet hard realities as Iran escalates tensions and Secretary of State Marco Rubio redefines the terrorist threat. Plus, Planned Parenthood returns to federal funding, a mother's ministry forged through grief, Cal Thomas on believing what political movements plainly say, an ironic ending to Britain's climate conference, and the Tuesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Equip by Unbound. Launching high schoolers through coaching, skills training, and interest-led projects. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from Ambassadors Impact Network, Christian entrepreneurs scaling their companies often struggle to find capital sources that respect, and even celebrate, their redemptive mission. Ambassadors Impact Network connects these founders with angel investors seeking both financial outcomes and spiritual fruit. If you're an investor wanting to steward your capital toward gospel-advancing companies, learn about membership at ambassadorsimpact.com
Legal Docket features the woman beside Justice Alito, Money Beat discusses why “invested in AI” is the wrong question, and on History Book the debate over America's Christian founding. Plus, the Monday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network, Christian entrepreneurs scaling their companies often struggle to find capital sources that respect, and even celebrate, their redemptive mission. Ambassadors Impact Network connects these founders with angel investors seeking both financial outcomes and spiritual fruit. If you're an investor wanting to steward your capital toward gospel-advancing companies, learn about membership at ambassadorsimpact.comFrom Equip by Unbound. Launching high schoolers through coaching, skills training, and interest-led projects. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from Cedarville University. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is committed to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, preparing students to serve Christ with conviction in every profession. Every one of its 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs are grounded in a biblical worldview, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skill, and conviction to serve wherever God leads. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible, affordable education rooted in biblical truth and designed for today's learners. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
Culture Friday on Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and a whistleblower on child transgender procedures. Plus, the Friday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Equip by Unbound. A skills-focused, project-based coaching program for high schoolers. More at BeUnbound.us/worldFrom Dordt University, where students are invited into God's story of restoration; to live, learn, and work together with joyful purpose in all of life - until all is made new.And from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
An American diplomat detained by a U.S. ally, the debate over naloxone, the tick that rewrites the immune system, and J. Budziszewski on today's moral confusion. Plus, Joe Rigney on the Smithsonian, a governor gets a warning, and the Thursday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/onlineFrom Equip by Unbound. A skills-focused, project-based coaching program for high schoolers. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from Dordt University, where students are invited into God's story of restoration; to live, learn, and work together with joyful purpose in all of life - until all is made new.
Washington Wednesday on Sen. Lindsey Graham's legacy, World Tour on Nigeria's search for justice, and why community college's affordable path often comes with hidden costs. Plus, Cal Thomas rewinds a 1976 argument that's still with us, Santas gather in Denmark, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Equip by Unbound. A skills-focused, project-based coaching program for high schoolers. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from Dordt University, where students are invited into God's story of restoration; to live, learn, and work together with joyful purpose in all of life - until all is made new.
Harnessing the Ocean When most people look across the ocean, they see waves rolling toward the shore. Toby Dewhurst sees opportunity.A 2009 mechanical engineering graduate of Cedarville University, Toby has built a career helping people harness the power and potential of the sea. From sustainable energy to aquaculture, his work sits at the heart of what many call the “blue economy” — using ocean resources responsibly to meet some of humanity's greatest needs.Toby's journey began in an unexpected place. As a Cedarville student, he joined the University's solar boat team and discovered the fascinating challenge of designing structures that interact with waves, currents, and wind. The experience sparked a curiosity that eventually carried him to graduate school and a career in ocean engineering.Today, Toby leads Kelson Marine, an international engineering company based in Maine. His team helps design offshore structures that can withstand the ocean's harshest conditions while producing food and renewable energy. Whether supporting tidal energy projects or creating systems for growing mussels, oysters, and other seafood, Toby combines engineering expertise with a desire to solve real-world problems.Along the way, he learned that the ocean still holds plenty of mysteries. Early in his career, while studying aquaculture systems off the coast, he discovered that even the best engineering tools struggled to predict how offshore structures would respond to changing ocean conditions. Instead of becoming discouraged, Toby embraced the challenge. He and his colleagues developed better tools and a deeper understanding, helping advance an industry that continues to grow around the world.On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Toby shared his excitement about the future. As the global population grows, so does the demand for sustainable food and clean energy. He believes the ocean can play an important role in meeting those needs.For Toby, engineering is about more than calculations and designs; it is about serving people. From the coast of Maine to communities around the globe, he is helping others use the oceans wisely, proving that innovation, perseverance, and a little curiosity can make waves that reach far beyond the shoreline.https://share.transistor.fm/s/3ac2e82ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4N6EQlAxDs
What prosecutors finally revealed in the Charlie Kirk case, why Lindsey Graham's sister is carrying on his work, and the surprising myth about fathers in unexpected pregnancies. Plus, the hidden aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, Janie B. Cheaney on air conditioning's greatest legacy, peanut butter art, and Tuesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Dordt University, where students are invited into God's story of restoration; to live, learn, and work together with joyful purpose in all of life - until all is made new.From Equip by Unbound. A skills-focused, project-based coaching program for high schoolers. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.
Legal Docket on conscience and consequence, Moneybeat on the ownership paradox, and History Book on Route 66. Plus, the Monday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Cedarville University—a Christ-centered, academically rigorous university located in southwest Ohio, equipping students for Gospel impact across every career and calling. Cedarville integrates a biblical worldview into every course in the more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs students choose from. New online undergraduate degrees through Cedarville Online offer flexible and affordable education grounded in a strong Christian community that fosters both faith and learning. Learn more at cedarville.edu, and explore online programs at cedarville.edu/online.From Equip by Unbound. A skills-focused, project-based coaching program for high schoolers. More at BeUnbound.us/worldAnd from Dordt University, where students are invited into God's story of restoration; to live, learn, and work together with joyful purpose in all of life - until all is made new.
A lot of leaders can name their gifts, but still feel stuck when it comes to where those gifts belong. JD sits down with Sammy Moss to trace a ministry story that does not depend on a dramatic “before and after,” but on steady faithfulness, wise preparation, and a willingness to obey the next step even when the long-term plan is unclear. From growing up in South Florida to choosing Cedarville University in Ohio, Sammy shares how God used ordinary discipleship rhythms to build a foundation for church leadership and teaching.The conversation turns practical as Sammy shares her move into a women's ministry lead role at All Church in Cincinnati, her speaking and coaching work through Sammy Moss Ministries, and her slow, consistent process for writing a Gospel of Mark Bible study curriculum using an inductive Bible study approach. JD and Sammy close with leadership takeaways you can apply immediately: delegate with trust, find a great assistant, keep learning your team's gifting, and embrace leadership that grows deep roots over time instead of chasing fast results. Subscribe, share this with a leader in your life, and leave a review so more church planters and ministry teams can find the show.Send us Fan MailWe want to help you find your next steps in ministry.Connect here with EXCEL.
Bringing Light to BroadwayWhen Dani Lee Hutch crossed the commencement stage at Cedarville University in 2016 with a degree in music, Broadway seemed a long way from southwest Ohio, but God had already begun writing a story that would carry her from classrooms and chapel services to some of the most celebrated productions in American musical theatre.Today, Dani serves as a musical director in the demanding world of Broadway and national touring productions. Her résumé includes bringing each performance of acclaimed productions like Wicked and Suffs to life from the conductor's podium and behind the scenes. While audiences often focus on the actors under the spotlight, musical directors play a vital role in shaping the sound, energy, and consistency of every show.Dani's journey to that level of success has required far more than musical talent. The profession demands excellence, adaptability, and endurance. Touring schedules can be relentless. Long rehearsal days, constant travel, and the pressure of delivering a world-class performance night after night leave little room for complacency.On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Dani shared how Cedarville prepared her for life and work in an industry known for its secular worldview. Through daily chapel, a Bible minor, and deep study of Scripture, she developed convictions that continue to guide her today.That foundation became especially important after graduation. As Dani explained, learning biblical truth is one thing; living it out among people who often see the world differently is another. Through patience, authenticity, and genuine relationships, she has learned how to faithfully represent Christ in an environment where Christians are often in the minority.What makes Dani's story so encouraging is that she has not withdrawn from a challenging culture. Instead, she has stepped into it with confidence, relying on the support of mentors, professors, and friends who continue to pray for her years after graduation.Her story reminds believers that God places His people in every corner of society, including Broadway. Whether leading a world-class musical or serving in a local community, Christians can bring light to dark places through excellence, humility, and unwavering faith. Dani's journey is a powerful example of what that looks like.https://share.transistor.fm/s/8fc78fd3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gqv_Bp5KUg
In this episode, Matt Bennet talks about what it takes to be a missionary. Matt Bennett is an associate professor of missions and theology at Cedarville University and the director of long-term ministries at Reaching and Teaching Ministries. He is also the co-author of 'The Path to Being a Missionary: A Guide for the Aspiring' from Crossway. ❖ Listen to “The Problem with Modern Missions" with Matt Rhodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show.
Beauty From AshesSome stories begin with joy; others with sorrow. Yet the most remarkable stories reveal how God faithfully weaves both together, bringing beauty from ashes in ways no one could have imagined.Dean and Merav Maxwell know the deep ache of loss. On January 29, 2025, they lost their daughter, Grace, a beloved Cedarville University student, in the tragic plane crash over the Potomac River. Every parent hopes for more days, more conversations, and more memories. The Maxwells suddenly found themselves grieving what might have been.Less than three months later, Trish White and her family faced a terrifying ordeal of their own. Trish, her husband Matt, their son Judah — a Cedarville student, daughter Aliyah, and a friend survived a private plane crash that could easily have ended very differently. While everyone walked away, they carried fresh reminders of life's fragility and uncertainty.Both families discovered something that suffering often reveals: God does not abandon His children in their darkest moments.Through hospital rooms, memorial services, difficult conversations, and quiet tears, God made His presence known. He sent encouragement through friends, family members, church communities, and countless people who arrived at exactly the right time. When strength seemed scarce, He provided it. When unanswered questions lingered, He remained near.The Maxwells and Whites learned that faith does not require pretending pain is absent. God welcomes honest cries of grief, confusion, and loss. He listens when hearts are broken. He draws near when sorrow feels overwhelming.And amid the ashes, beauty has emerged.The families have seen relationships deepen. They have witnessed extraordinary compassion from each other and from the Cedarville community. They have gained a renewed appreciation for each day God gives — a truth Dean connected to Cedarville's emphasis on learning to number our days and invest them wisely in those we love (Psalm 90:12).Dean, Merav, and Trish shared part of their journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast. Their testimonies serve as a reminder that while tragedy leaves scars, it does not have the final word.God is still present, He is still working, He is still bringing beauty from ashes, and even in life's hardest chapters, He remains faithful.https://share.transistor.fm/s/7cfd6dfchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK9DuEHBH6w
Luke Rykbost is a Commercial Project Manager at Natorp's in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he oversees complex landscape installations with a focus on operational excellence and technical precision. A graduate of Cedarville University with a degree in Management and a minor in Construction, Luke brings a disciplined, modern perspective to one of the region's most established green industry leaders. His expertise is rooted in the field, having grown up in his father's full-service landscape company in Massachusetts; this background instilled in him a "boots-on-the-ground" understanding of production, crew dynamics, and the critical role of technology in a successful business. Beyond his work at Natorp's, Luke is deeply invested in the intersection of legacy craftsmanship and modern innovation. He is currently spearheading the implementation of AI and advanced software systems at Natorp's to streamline commercial operations, while simultaneously developing a business management platform for growth-minded contractors. Whether he is navigating complex architectural plans or refining software architecture, Luke is passionate about equipping the next generation of landscape professionals with the tools and systems they need to scale effectively.
Bound Together by GraceNo one chooses the road of suffering, but sometimes God allows fellow travelers to ease the way.That was true for the Maxwell and White families. When their stories were marked by separate tragedies in 2025, they found themselves walking similar paths of loss, recovery, faith, and hope. Along the way, they discovered the strength of Christian community and the comfort that comes when God's people carry one another's burdens.On January 29, 2025, Dean and Merav Maxwell lost their daughter, Grace, a Cedarville University student, in the American Airlines crash over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Just weeks later, on March 9, fellow Cedarville student Judah White was aboard a private plane that crashed shortly after takeoff in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All five on board — Judah, his parents Matt and Trish, along with his sister Aliyah and her friend — survived, but both Judah and Matt sustained severe injuries that led to months of surgeries, recovery, and rehabilitation. While the circumstances differed, both families suddenly found themselves relying on the Lord — and each other — in ways they never imagined.Though one family was grieving a devastating loss and the other was facing a long road to recovery, both found themselves sustained by God's faithfulness expressed through His people.Family and friends carried much of the day-to-day burden, showing up with meals, helping hands, and willing hearts. Churches prayed and stood beside them through long and difficult days. Meanwhile, a wave of encouragement flowed from people they had never met, including Cedarville students, alumni, faculty, staff, and parents.For the Maxwells, much of that support came through stories about Grace.Grace was tenacious, disciplined, and exceptionally bright. An engineering student with a quick wit and a deep love for learning, she could have attended many universities, but she chose Cedarville because she wanted a place where she could grow in her faith while pursuing academic excellence.As they navigated grief and recovery, the two families found encouragement from one another. Their connection grew through the Cedarville community that had united around them, first in mourning the loss of Grace and then in praying for Judah and his family after the Lancaster crash. Together, they found strength in the prayers and support surrounding them.Recently, Dean, Merav, and Trish reflected on that journey during the Cedarville Stories podcast, sharing how God met them in difficult days through the faithfulness of His people.The road has not been easy. Yet both families have seen God's hand through the kindness of friends, the faithfulness of family, and the encouragement of a University community that cared enough to reach out, even from afar. Their story is a reminder that God often brings comfort through fellow travelers and that even in life's hardest moments, He remains faithful.https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4148f56https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOb7nGa1bV4
Entrepreneurship With a Kingdom PurposeJosh Hochstedler has watched God use both hardship and opportunity to shape his definition of success. Along the way, his interest in entrepreneurship has become closely connected to a desire to impact lives, build Christian community, and help others pursue their God-given calling with confidence and purpose.A junior cyber operations major at Cedarville University, Josh recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped both his faith and his vision for the future.Some of those lessons began during his childhood in Brazil, where he watched his father faithfully invest in the lives of others through ministry. Seeing the difference one person could make through consistent care, service, and encouragement left a lasting impression on Josh and helped cultivate his desire to serve others.Later, those early lessons were deepened through the heartbreaking losses of his brother and mother to cancer within two years of each other. Walking through that season taught Josh lessons that no classroom ever could. He learned that faith is not simply believing when life makes sense; it is trusting God when it doesn't. He learned that God's provision often comes through the people He places beside us. He also learned how deeply encouragement, presence, honesty, transparency, and genuine community can sustain someone through life's hardest moments.Those experiences continue to influence the way Josh approaches life today. He often returns to the lesson God has been teaching him about belief, trusting that God will provide, guide, and open doors as he faithfully takes the next step. Even after witnessing God's faithfulness in powerful ways, Josh knows that choosing faith remains a daily decision. Yet time and again, he has seen God work through both challenges and opportunities to lead him forward.That perspective has also transformed the way he thinks about entrepreneurship. While many people view business as a path to personal achievement, Josh sees it as a platform for serving others. The trials his family endured gave him a deeper appreciation for relationships and reinforced a conviction that people, not profits, must remain at the center of any lasting impact.helped strengthen that conviction. The experience reminded him that success finds its highest purpose when it is used to invest in people. It renewed his commitment to keep relationships at the center of everything he hopes to build and reinforced his desire to create opportunities that positively influence others.That people-first mindset also fuels Josh's passion for encouraging Christian entrepreneurs. Through events and gatherings, he has witnessed how isolating the entrepreneurial journey can sometimes feel. He has also seen how quickly people come alive when they discover others who share their vision and calling. Those moments have inspired him to help build stronger communities where Christian entrepreneurs can connect, encourage one another, share resources, and work together for a greater Kingdom impact.When Josh thinks about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, his answer is simple: people. He wants to invest in others the way so many have invested in him, walking alongside them, offering encouragement, and helping them grow in faith. The image that continues to guide him is one he shared on the podcast: believers linking arms, supporting one another through every season of life, and moving together toward heaven. In many ways, that vision captures both the lessons he has learned and the impact he hopes to leave behind.https://share.transistor.fm/s/dcd90ffdhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwds-H7fffQ
Designing Solutions That Serve PeopleGabriel Payne thought he knew what his future should look like. After an aptitude test in high school pointed him toward engineering, the path seemed straightforward: attend a large, nationally recognized university and earn the kind of degree serious engineers were expected to pursue. Schools like Purdue, Northwestern, Harvard, and MIT stood at the top of his list. In Gabriel's mind, Christian universities simply could not offer the same level of engineering education.That mindset made his eventual decision even more surprising.As a homeschooled student, Gabriel always enjoyed learning and creating. He loved building with Legos and blocks in his family's Chicago home, asking questions, and exploring new ideas, but he never fit the future engineer stereotype of the kid constantly dismantling gadgets in the garage.Instead, his interest in engineering emerged gradually, growing through the realization that he loved solving problems and thinking analytically. Once he recognized that direction, he pursued it with determination and began searching for a program that would prepare him well for the future.Along the way, Cedarville University entered the conversation almost unexpectedly. Since it was his father's alma mater, Gabriel decided to visit campus, not expecting the experience to change anything. Instead, the visit challenged nearly every assumption he carried about Christian higher education. He found an engineering program that was academically rigorous and highly respected, but he also discovered something else he had not anticipated: a community where professors genuinely invested in students' lives.The more time Gabriel spent on campus, the more he realized Cedarville offered something larger universities often could not: the chance to grow academically, spiritually, and personally all at once.That realization changed everything.Now as a rising senior expecting to graduate in 2027, Gabriel is majoring in mechanical engineering with minors in biomedical engineering and Bible. Along the way, he has found opportunities that continue to confirm he made the right decision. Recently, he shared his experience on the Cedarville Stories podcast, describing how Cedarville has prepared him academically while also shaping his faith and sense of calling.One of the clearest examples has been his involvement in research addressing neck strain in military pilots caused by helmet design, an often-overlooked problem with real human consequences. Through Cedarville's close partnership with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Gabriel has also gained access to mentorship, research, and hands-on development opportunities that have expanded both his technical skills and his understanding of how engineering can directly impact people's lives.Those experiences have not only strengthened Gabriel's confidence as an engineer but also clarified the kind of work he hopes to pursue after graduation. As technology advances through artificial intelligence, aerospace innovation, and biomedical engineering, he wants to work where “tech and the human body intersect,” developing solutions that improve lives rather than simply pursuing innovation for its own sake.For Gabriel Payne, engineering has become far more than designing systems or solving technical problems. It is a calling rooted in creativity, knowledge, and faith and an opportunity to serve people well and ensure that the human side of technology is never forgotten.https://share.transistor.fm/s/a4e7eb53https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUKBKTjjKLI
A Win-Win FaithCarlos Hidalgo was alone in the fitness center at his church on December 1, 2025, working through his normal exercise routine, when pain hit with terrifying force. He would later describe it as feeling like a bomb had exploded inside his head.At first, the 1993 Cedarville University graduate tried to shake it off. He got in his car and started driving home. But then he saw something that stopped him cold: an oncoming truck appeared only halfway in his field of vision.That was when Carlos knew this was no ordinary headache. He turned the car toward the emergency room, not knowing that a hemorrhagic stroke had already begun changing the course of his day, his family, and his story.Before that frightening drive to the emergency room, Carlos had already spent years thinking about what makes a life successful. It was a question he had carried from his Cedarville days into his work with business leaders, and one he has had to answer in his own heart.Many of his Cedarville classmates still know him by his lifelong nickname, “Bumper.” Today, Carlos operates his own business as an advisor, coach, and encourager to executives, helping leaders look past money, status, and empire-building to consider what matters most.He knows how easily those lesser measures can take hold. More than a decade ago, Carlos came to see success differently. For him, it means living for Jesus, loving well, and finding joy in each day God provides.That hard-earned understanding became an anchor in the hospital, where the days stretched long and the questions grew heavy. During the first week, Carlos experienced a second stroke, and Susanne, his wife of 31 years and a fellow Cedarville graduate, found herself facing the question no spouse ever wants to ask: “Will I be a widow?”Still, fear did not get the last word.Carlos and Susanne leaned hard into prayer, and God's people quickly gathered around them. Their church family prayed, thousands more joined in, and when Carlos was life-flighted to Albany, eight friends from church reached the hospital before Susanne. Cedarville friends they had not seen in more than 30 years stepped close again too, helping with medical expenses and reminding the Hidalgos just how far the love of Christ can reach.Even in the middle of that uncertainty, Carlos saw the road ahead with remarkable peace and clarity. He called it a “win-win.” If he died, he would be with Jesus. If he lived, he would receive the gift of more time with his family.Carlos recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast. With the weight of someone who has looked eternity in the face, he delivered a simple message: Don't drift through life waiting for someday. Share the Gospel. Show the love of Jesus. Hold fast to love and truth.“God has called us to today,” Carlos says, “so get after it!”https://share.transistor.fm/s/f572d3f9https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC7ZY9gtbrQ
Finding Hope in Invisible GriefDrew Hensley has a way of stepping into people's troubles with the steady kindness of a pastor who knows Jesus meets us there. A 2007 graduate of Cedarville University, he now serves as a pastor in Charleston, South Carolina, with a heart for local church ministry and a deep compassion for people in pain.His compassion is rooted in the heart of Jesus, who sees people, welcomes them, and cares for them with steady mercy. Drew has tried to mirror that same kind of care in his own ministry, and that shepherding heart has shaped not only how he serves others but how he and his wife, Laura, have walked through their own struggles.Drew and Laura followed the Lord's calling with trust — even when that calling led them far from home to plant a church in Seattle. Adding to the bumpy road was the news that they could not have biological children. That loss cracked something open in them, and out of that ache came Invisible Grief.In Invisible Grief, Drew writes for the quiet sorrow many people carry — the kind that hides beneath a smile when hopes, dreams, and good desires do not come to fruition.He writes for those living with chronic illness, singleness, infertility, and other unseen wounds, offering the kind of encouragement that comes from both Scripture and experience. His voice is tender, honest, and full of hope, because he knows grief often does its deepest work in the hidden places.Through seasons of grief and prayer, Drew and Laura discovered that God had not abandoned them in the dark. He met them there. He gave them grace to keep trusting, and in time, He showed them His goodness in surprising ways. The adoption of their son, Silas, worked out through circumstances that only the Lord could arrange. Along the way, Drew says their relationship with God grew even closer, more intimate, and more hopeful.That same hope fills the pages of Invisible Grief. Drew's great encouragement is simple and sturdy: God sees, God knows, and God will restore all things.On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Drew shared his journey with the same honesty and warmth that permeate his book, pointing listeners to an everlasting hope big enough to hold both joy and grief — one that never lets sorrow have the final word.https://share.transistor.fm/s/293299e8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tf_ZLHE9sk
Sheep, Stage Lights, and ScriptureLong before Abigail King set foot on the stage at Cedarville University, she was already dreaming of a life that would combine her greatest loves: animals and theatre. Even as a little girl growing up in sunny Florida, she imagined a future where the joy of performance could meet the companionship of creatures great and small.That dream stayed with her, and when it came time to choose a college, Cedarville was the right place.Abigail stepped onto campus with a dream in her heart, but she had no clear map for how it would unfold. She thought she might pursue a degree in something with animals, but biology didn't quite suit her. It wasn't long before she found her way to the theatre department — a place that embraced her creative spirit and gave her room to grow.Abigail fell in love with theatre, believing it was where God would transform her more than she ever expected.As she recently shared on the Cedarville Stories podcast, Abigail is now living out that childhood dream in the most unexpected and delightful way — as an animal trainer at Sight and Sound Theatres in Branson, Missouri. There, amidst the spectacle of biblical productions, she helps bring stories from Scripture to life by working with the animals that share the stage with actors, lights, and music.“Sometimes our sheep are a little too friendly,” she laughed. “They'll stop in the middle of the show to hang out with David. The audience eats it up, but we're in the back whispering, ‘Go, go, go!'”Abigail also serves in the theatre's after-show ministry, where cast and crew meet guests for prayer and conversation. “It's such a blessing to connect with people after the show,” she said. “We get to be part of something much bigger.”Though she hopes to one day work with service animals and children, Abigail is joyfully rooted where God has her right now. “This is the dream,” she said. “I'm just following where He leads.”With a heart full of gratitude and a barn full of well-trained animals, Abigail King is living proof that when you trust God with your gifts, He'll write a story better than you imagined.https://share.transistor.fm/s/d9e14c0bhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnJFMaruzdw
A Calling Shaped by ProvidenceShannon Yarosz's story bears the marks of God's providence. Often, that providence feels ordinary in the moment and only later reveals how lovingly the story has been arranged. On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Shannon reflected on a journey shaped by science, compassion, and a deep desire to serve others well.That calling began to take shape during her years at The Ohio State University, where she studied microbiology. She loved science and the discovery that came with it, yet she also wanted her work to touch people's lives in practical, everyday ways. Pharmacy became a natural fit, giving her the opportunity to pair scientific knowledge with personal care and to step into people's questions and concerns with help that truly mattered.As Shannon moved through school, training, and professional life, God kept placing people in her path. Several of those individuals would later become her colleagues in Cedarville University's School of Pharmacy. At the time, those encounters may have seemed small and unremarkable. Looking back, they tell a different story. They reveal the Lord's quiet faithfulness in leading her to a place where her work and faith could flourish together.That spirit of service is easy to see in Ask the Pharmacist, a community education program produced in partnership with a local television station. Through that outreach, Shannon answers healthcare questions and shares practical medication guidance for viewers seeking clear, trustworthy help. She has a gift for making difficult topics easier to understand, and she meets each question with both professional knowledge and genuine kindness. She wants people to feel prepared to care for themselves and their families.Her life also has a joyful rhythm beyond the classroom and clinic. Shannon is a wife, mom, and working professional who makes room for fun alongside responsibility. Her family loves hockey, and she has gladly joined in. Her children cheer from the sidelines, sometimes with a little laughter, and her husband records videos with playful commentary. Whether she is guiding students, helping viewers, or laughing with her family at the rink, Shannon lives with a steady joy that makes her work shine.https://share.transistor.fm/s/283a18bbhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGo185Ddzho
A Steady Rhythm of HopeDr. Lou Lilite learned hope in the hard soil of Haiti. He grew up in a ministry family surrounded by the daily realities of poverty, where need was easy to see and impossible to ignore. Yet even there, God planted gifts and purpose in his life.Through his parents' example, Lou learned that faith looks beyond what is missing and trusts God's provision even before it comes into view. Over time, that steady confidence became part of who he was. Music also became one of the ways God directed his life. It helped form his calling and opened his eyes to a future he could not yet see.In time, those early lessons and that growing sense of purpose led him toward one of the longest journeys of his life. For two and a half years, Lou worked to come to America, pressing through 13 applications before the opportunity finally came. With each application, he kept moving toward the future God was opening before him, one closely tied to the music that had become part of his calling. Even after he arrived, the road did not suddenly become easy.Lou still faced hardship, adjustment, and disappointment, but he chose to focus on blessings instead of bitterness, and that choice gave his life a steady, hopeful rhythm. He learned to keep moving forward with open hands, grateful for what God had provided and trusting Him for what came next.Today, as a professor of music at Cedarville University, Lou teaches more than technique, theory, or performance. He carries a deep love for people and a heart tuned to hope. Students and neighbors alike encounter someone who has not forgotten where he came from or the grace that carried him.That is one reason he visits Haitian immigrants in nearby Springfield, Ohio. He wants them to hear from someone who has walked that difficult road, understands both the strain and the perseverance, and can say honestly that hope is worth holding onto.Lou also wants fellow believers to respond to immigrants with the compassion and openness of Christ. He sees a beautiful parallel in the Gospel itself: Jesus made a way for sinners to leave behind the death of sin and enter the life of Christ. In the same spirit, Lou believes Christians should welcome others with mercy, dignity, and care.When Lou shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, that message rang clear. Hope shaped him in Haiti, sustained him in America, and now flows through his music, teaching, and ministry to others.https://share.transistor.fm/s/61d4e8b6https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAcDgRcbFdU