Compelled - Christian Stories & Testimonies

Hormoz Shariat once chanted "Death to America!" in the streets of Tehran, Iran, but after doubts crept into his heart about Islam he was forced to reckon with what he truly believed about God. His conclusions and ensuing actions, would eventually lead the Iranian government to branding him as an enemy of the state. Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/hormoz-shariat ++++++++++++ Compe...

Fred was once a successful insurance salesman, but became a homeless drug addict, completely in bondage to heroin and other substances. Casey had a promising military career, but had become a hopeless alcoholic, and no matter how many recovery programs she went to, she always landed back at the bottom of a bottle. Both of them were desperately looking for their next fix... but could never find wha...

In 2005, Jim Payne deployed to the Middle East as part of a Navy SEAL platoon, alongside 15 of his closest friends and brothers-in-arms. During their deployment, his team suffered devastating losses in the mountains of Afghanistan in an incident detailed in the best-selling book and hit movie “Lone Survivor”. As Jim grappled with crippling grief, it was all he could do to cling to the One who offe...

At age 15, Catherine Zoller was sentenced to 8 years in prison for grand theft auto, larceny, arson, truancy, and more. But when she escaped custody and started hitchhiking across the nation she was picked up by a country pastor who would share a message with her that would transform her life. Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/catherine-zoller ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal p...

Hey Compelled listeners! In just 2 weeks, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before…. Thanks to the generous support of listeners like you, we’re about to release 2 seasons of Compelled in the same year. That’s right, right now this very moment, I’m taking a break from the studio to record this message for you. Season 4 is coming - 10 more incredible stories are lined up and here are jus...

As a young boy, Ken Freeman was beaten, neglected, and molested for years. Anyone ever claiming to love him simply wanted to abuse him. But then one day, Ken was introduced to the love of a Perfect Father, and his life would never be the same.  Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/ken-freeman/ ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celeb...

This is Part 2 of Josh and Amy Glasscock's story. We’ll hear how Josh's cystic fibrosis has worsened and irreparably damaged his lungs. Soon, they'll be confronted with several life-and-death decisions. Only God will be able to carry them through the storms ahead. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, then please listen to that first. Just look up episode “#38 Chronically Sick. Abundantly Alive....

As a child, Josh Glasscock was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called cystic fibrosis, which has no cure and always causes death in its victims. But instead of shutting down and resigning himself to a defeated existence doomed to die, Josh and his wife Amy believe that God has called them to live a full and abundant life. Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/josh-amy-glasscock-p...

For years, Laura Perry Smalts rejected God and hated her own body. She thought that she would find answers by transgendering herself into a "man". But after living as what the culture would say was a transgender man for almost 10 years, she realized that the Creator of the universe had a far greater plan for her life. Her mother, Francine, joins us to share her perspective throughout Laura's journ...

Before he was saved, Bruce had everything he ever wanted. Money, women, drugs, fame, and 2 NFL Super Bowl rings… yet he only felt emptiness inside. It was only after Bruce found Christ, through the faithful witness of his mom, that he experienced true joy and purpose. 💬 LEAVE A COMMENT about this story (no login required): https://galas.fm/episode/cfd5cd91-f5b9-5856-8ec2-bd07693c6c10 You can hear...

Atticus Carr was a young man steeped in New Age philosophy and Hindu mysticism. But then one night, for inexplicable reasons, he began reading the Bible which opened his eyes to the truth. Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/atticus-carr/ ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians a...

Yusuf Agoro grew up as a Muslim. But when he was a teenager, he placed his faith in Jesus. His devout Muslim parents, relatives, and mosque ordered him to recant. Could his brand-new faith stand firm? Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/yusuf-agoro/ ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming C...

Doug and Selah Helms saw their world turned upside down when a terrible car accident left their 17-year-old son with a traumatic brain injury. They would face the greatest trial of their life and their faith in the Lord would be tested to the limit. 💬 LEAVE A COMMENT about this story (no login required): https://galas.fm/episode/ff69073a-b400-5299-ab88-6575bd6a55fb Show notes and detailed descrip...

Julian Weber was a family man with everything the American Dream could offer - a loving wife, 4 children, a beautiful home, a great job, and even leadership in his church. But when his identity was stripped away, his idyllic life soon followed. He became addicted to painkillers, alcohol, and pornography - and everything he held precious was destroyed. Only a Savior could bring him peace. Show note...

Jason and David Benham (a.k.a The Benham Brothers) share the remarkable story of growing up as identical twins, becoming professional baseball players, and working today as successful real estate entrepreneurs. But everything took a twist when they were told their national reality TV show would be canceled unless they renounced their beliefs in the Bible. Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/e...

Virginia Prodan is an attorney from Romania who was persecuted by her government during the 1980s after she began defending Christians in court from the Communist regime. After Virginia brought international attention to the plight of Christians in her country the Romanian president sent an assassin to kill her at her office one evening. She was alone and unprotected, and what happened next was un...

Hey Compelled listeners! So it's been a while since you've heard from us. In fact, we published our last episode in October of last year. (so yeah, basically a year ago) We were hoping to release Season 3 this past summer and even made an announcement about that… but then a little pandemic hit the world and like everyone else, our plans were changed for the rest of the year. But the good news is t...

Gracia Burnham was serving as a missionary in the Philippines when she and her husband were kidnapped by Muslim terrorists. They spent over a year in the jungle as hostages enduring hardships of all kinds, including constant shortage of drinking water, near starvation, and 17 gun battles. Even more difficult than the physical challenges were the questions Gracia wrestled with. How could God still...

This is Part 2 of Jonathan Pacheco's story. This episode concludes the sweet love story between Jonathan and Ellena, as they are happily married. Shortly after, however, Jonathan unexpectedly found himself in the midst of the biggest trial of his life: leukemia. Given only months to live, he discovered rest and peace in the Lord and surrendered himself to God’s will... when God worked yet another...

Jonathan Pacheco was severely disabled at birth when his spinal cord was nearly severed, and he has lived his entire life in a motorized wheelchair.  Jonathan shares what his journey of faith has looked like as he has come to grips with God's sovereignty in all things, including his disability and more. Go Deeper: Contact Jonathan directly: jonathanpachecoblueprints@gmail.com Show notes and detail...

Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell was at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 when American Airlines flight 77 crashed just yards away from him, instantly engulfing his body in flames. Brian was faced with certain death but also with complete peace in knowing that his faith was already placed in a Savior. His story is raw, true, and filled with miracles. Show note: https://compelledpodcast.com/epis...

At the age of 17, Jill Robbins had an abortion. It was highly traumatic and was unfortunately only the beginning of a self-destructive lifestyle she pursued for years.  Jill became involved in drugs and promiscuity, which, in turn, resulted in the rapid decline of her mental health. Jill’s life was falling apart until she found the only One who could put the pieces back together again. Show notes...

Todd Nettleton works for Voice of the Martyrs, finding and telling stories of modern-day Christians who are being persecuted and martyred throughout the world. A widow in Turkey, a Chinese woman who was imprisoned for her faith in Christ, and a new believer in Laos who couldn’t wait to share his faith with others... These are just a handful of the persecuted Christians Todd has interacted with thr...

John Erickson is the author of the popular children's book series, "Hank the Cowdog," which has sold over 10 million copies. John has a lighthearted approach in the way he writes, and much of it has to do with the Christian Worldview he carries. Listen to the back story of how Hank the Cowdog came to life and of John’s personal journey. 💬 LEAVE A COMMENT about this story (no login required). Show...

This is Part 2 of Kathy’s story. Just when things in Kathy’s life seemed to be looking up, a water skiing accident and a heart-wrenching divorce brought her to a place of complete desperation. Equipped with the hope of Christ, Kathy pressed forward. In a beautiful act of redemption, God used Kathy’s terrible birth experiences and even her abortion to eventually lead her into her current profession...