Stories from The Austin Stone

#100 Alone Together: Hannah

May 24, 2020 07:00 - 24 minutes - 34 MB

Despite the pandemic, Hannah has made progress with overcoming an eating disorder. While in quarantine, she has embraced food freedom and continues to show vulnerability about her sin. She reflects on her experience of opening up to her community and finding God’s redeeming love. He has cast out the darkness and brought her into the light, and she trusts in His grace to strengthen her fight. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wher...

#099 Alone Together: Sara

May 17, 2020 07:15 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MB

Sara wonders how COVID-19 will reshape the way people build community and develop relationships in the future. As a mother, wife, and active member of The Austin Stone, she has adjusted to a “new normal.” Still, she longs to go out and engage in community and corporate worship, especially as she continues to battle with clinical depression. Sara realizes that no matter what, Jesus is her everything. He will remain the same despite the uncertainty and changes around her. Please help us spread...

#098 Alone Together: Shawn

May 10, 2020 06:00 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MB

Shawn is the CEO and founder of a fitness company that was rapidly growing until the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted his plans. With employees and clients in his care, he has felt the immense weight of ensuring everyone stays afloat. Through it all, he’s learned that his identity ultimately does not come from his job or his role as provider. His identity lies in Christ, and through Him, hope reigns. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcast...

#097 Alone Together: Bonnie

May 03, 2020 06:00 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MB

Bonnie is a goer from The Austin Stone living in Europe, and she has experienced the tremendous devastation and isolation caused by the pandemic. As a former healthcare worker, she wondered where her place truly lies, but she now realizes that she needs to remain faithful to where God has placed her. She wants to love her neighbors as best as she can, trusting that God makes all things new in the midst of death. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Ap...

#096 Alone Together: Casey

April 26, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MB

Casey had just launched his dream barber shop when the COVID-19 lockdown was announced. As a small business owner, he knew the responsibilities of caring for his employees and family. But he’s felt a peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that God always provides. Casey has experienced His faithfulness in ways that has continued to give him peace about the future, as uncertain as it remains. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts...

#095 Alone Together: Lauren

April 21, 2020 19:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MB

Lauren is a brand new registered nurse, working at her first hospital in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. While her hospital no longer allows visitors for many of its patients Lauren works everyday to ease the burden on those who are sick and lonely. It’s not easy work, but she is learning to rely on the Holy Spirit to help her be faithful. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episod...

#095 Alone Together: Jimmy

April 19, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MB

Jimmy’s uncle Bobby died from complications of COVID-19 on Sunday, April 5th, 2020. As Jimmy wrestled with his grief and sorrow God comforted him through friends, family, and music. Through tears, Jimmy finds solace in worship and his hope in Jesus. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, plea...

#094 Alone Together: Jimmy

April 19, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MB

Jimmy’s uncle Bobby died from complications of COVID-19 on Sunday, April 5th, 2020. As Jimmy wrestled with his grief and sorrow God comforted him through friends, family, and music. Through tears, Jimmy finds solace in worship and his hope in Jesus. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, plea...

#094 Alone Together: Lauren

April 18, 2020 11:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MB

Lauren is a brand new registered nurse, working at her first hospital in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. While her hospital no longer allows visitors for many of its patients Lauren works everyday to ease the burden on those who are sick and lonely. It’s not easy work, but she is learning to rely on the Holy Spirit to help her be faithful. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episod...

#093 Introducing Alone Together

April 18, 2020 04:45 - 2 minutes - 3.64 MB

In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, believers around the world are striving to be faithful to Jesus and love their neighbors. “Alone Together” is a series of stories about how the people of The Austin Stone are living faithfully in uncertain times. We’ve all been called to be faithful in this season, but in many different ways. Today, across Austin and around the world, doctors and nurses, restaurant owners and delivery drivers, singles and students, moms and dads, artists and acco...

#92 Recovery: Hannah Mae

April 12, 2020 04:45 - 28 minutes - 65.3 MB

Please note, this story is for mature audiences as it references heavily sexual themes, including pornography and sexual assault. When Hannah Mae was sexually abused at five-years-old, she only remembered feeling confused. Confusion developed into shame, self-loathing, and loneliness that haunted her for years. She became addicted to masturbation and started working in the pornography industry, thinking that these things would make her feel valued. But deep down, Hannah Mae knew that they wo...

#092 Recovery: Hannah Mae

April 12, 2020 04:45 - 28 minutes - 65.3 MB

Please note, this story is for mature audiences as it references heavily sexual themes, including pornography and sexual assault. When Hannah Mae was sexually abused at five-years-old, she only remembered feeling confused. Confusion developed into shame, self-loathing, and loneliness that haunted her for years. She became addicted to masturbation and started working in the pornography industry, thinking that these things would make her feel valued. But deep down, Hannah Mae knew that they wo...

#091 Recovery: Isaiah

April 08, 2020 04:45 - 16 minutes - 38.9 MB

Isaiah thought that he didn’t deserve God’s love and always had to earn it. To numb his feelings of guilt and unworthiness, he turned to sex, drugs, and alcohol. Yet with his marriage and sanity on the line, he recognized that only God could change his heart posture. In this ongoing process of healing, Isaiah knows that he can trust God to give him good things simply because he’s His child. Because, as Isaiah has learned, God gives His love freely. For more information about the Recovery Mini...

#090 Recovery: Judy

April 05, 2020 12:00 - 15 minutes - 35.5 MB

Judy believed that her purpose in this world was to achieve perfection, and she worked hard at it for years. But her obsession with it led her to spiral into heavy substance abuse, escalating to a point where she came to God in desperation. During her recovery journey, Judy realized how her need for perfection overruled her need for God. She knows now that her purpose in this world is to serve God as His ambassador, loving His people and sharing the gift of compassion. Jesus, her perfect Sav...

#089 Recovery: Matt

March 29, 2020 01:00 - 14 minutes - 32.9 MB

Matt’s desire to control his life led him to develop deeper roots in sexual sin and pornography, which he kept hidden because he wanted to become the perfect version of himself. Through a series of wake-up calls, God worked in Matt’s heart to show him it was time to stop hiding and believing that he held the power to save himself. Since then, Matt has witnessed how God steps in to intercede for him as Protector, Deliverer, and Conqueror. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of Th...

#088 Recovery: Naomi and Hector

March 22, 2020 01:00 - 17 minutes - 39.1 MB

Naomi and Hector, a married couple, both dealt with mental illness and slowly awakened to their need for healing. They realized the importance of walking through their struggle together, and they experienced how God moves through His church to encourage His people. Most importantly, Naomi and Hector learned to run to Christ and not lose heart in the midst of darkness. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care/ (https://austins...

#087 Recovery: Sarah

March 15, 2020 01:00 - 16 minutes - 37.8 MB

Sarah realized the depths of her anger towards God when she saw how it strained her marriage. In her desire to maintain control over her life, it was difficult to admit that she needed help. Once she learned to surrender her heart to Christ, He revealed the incredible peace and rest she could find only in Him. Instead of viewing herself as her own savior, she learned to run to God for restoration. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone....

#086 Recovery: Laura

March 08, 2020 02:00 - 17 minutes - 40.3 MB

Please note, this story is for mature audiences as it references pornography and sexual assault. For a long time, Laura stayed in the dark with her struggles and secrets, thinking that she was too far from God for help. The pain of it overwhelmed her. But when she reached out for help and embarked on a journey to recovery, she realized that she could truly heal from her trauma, and the only way was through Christ. Because of His salvation, she feels free to walk in the light and experience th...

#085 Introducing Recovery

March 04, 2020 07:00 - 2 minutes - 4.65 MB

Recovery features stories of those who found hope and healing in Christ while recovering from the fallout of addiction, anger, abuse, depression, trauma, and more. Join us to hear seven true stories of gospel transformation. Click here to subscribe and listen to the Recovery trailer now! (https://ascc.co/storiespodcast) You can also subscribe to the Stories from The Austin Stone podcast in your favorite podcast player.

#084 Expectant: Seth & Brynn

August 11, 2019 05:00 - 29 minutes - 68.6 MB

“How can you, in the midst of a trial, experience joy? What does that really look like?” After Matt Carter preached a sermon on 1 Peter, Seth and Brynn began to evaluate their faith. Could they trust in Jesus in the midst of a storm? In the last episode of Expectant, Seth and Brynn share their story of trusting Jesus even through suffering—even when they lost what was precious.

#083 Expectant: Brian & Taylor

August 04, 2019 05:00 - 29 minutes - 67.4 MB

“The ultrasounds, the heartbeats, and all the testing came back normal … I could feel her hiccup all the time.” As parents of two young boys, Brian and Taylor were excited to find out they were pregnant with a baby girl. Then at 37 weeks of pregnancy, the unexpected happened, and Brian and Taylor had to trust God and His purposes more than ever before.

#082 Expectant: Will & Sarah

July 28, 2019 11:00 - 33 minutes - 76.1 MB

“We were so excited and planning and dreaming of a life with three babies that we didn’t hear the gravity of the situation—and even if we had, it wouldn’t have changed anything.” Sarah and Will always dreamt of having a large family, but they had no idea about the long, difficult road ahead of them. Through the journey, Sarah and Will learned how to trust God’s heart, even in the midst of immense, unexpected suffering.

#081 Expectant: Neill & Felicia

July 21, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutes - 42.9 MB

“I want to be healed from this grief that I feel, but I don’t want to forget.” When Felicia and Neill became pregnant with their third child, they walked through tremendous joy and then unexpected suffering. As they continue to care for their children, Felicia and Neill hold on to a unique ebenezer that gives them the strength to embrace their grief.

#080 Expectant: Jimmy & Staci

July 14, 2019 05:00 - 23 minutes - 54.3 MB

“This process has helped me realize that any human being that I see is a straight-up miracle from God.” Jimmy and Staci were parents to a healthy toddler when they got pregnant with their second child. The arduous process of growing their family taught them that above all, their children belong to God and that no matter what, He is good and worthy of their praise.

#079 Expectant: David & Kathrin

July 07, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MB

“I remember God speaking to my heart and saying, ‘This is the journey I have for you guys.’ But at the time, I didn’t know what that would look like.” David and Kathrin met in middle school, got married after college, and anticipated starting a family together. But after struggling to get pregnant and consulting medical professionals, God began a work in their hearts—taking David and Kathrin on a journey they never expected.

#078 Expectant: Rex & Val

June 30, 2019 05:00 - 22 minutes - 50.6 MB

“Life really is about learning to trust God when it’s the hardest.” Married in their mid-thirties, Val and Rex quickly began trying to get pregnant. But month after month, the pregnancy tests were negative. Through a journey of grieving, rejoicing, and trusting God, Val and Rex continued trying for biological children—and found their true hope in Christ.

#077 Expectant: Anna

June 23, 2019 05:00 - 28 minutes - 65.9 MB

“Their bodies were experiencing certain things—their emotions, their hormones—and I knew that something was wrong with my body.” When teenage Anna noticed that her body wasn’t developing like those of her peers, she began to seek answers from doctors. After getting married in her twenties, Anna and her husband began trying to build their family, only to realize the process of having biological children would not be an easy one.

#076 Introducing Expectant

June 20, 2019 19:00 - 2 minutes - 5.74 MB

What do we do when the unexpected happens—the things we didn’t anticipate? The unexpected in this life will come, and when it does, we can expect our God to be faithful, loving, and merciful beyond measure. “Expectant,” a new podcast season from The Austin Stone Story Team, brings you eight stories from families in our church who have experienced loss, grief, hope, and God’s love in the midst of the things they didn’t expect while building their family.

#075 Remember Moore: The Church Remains

May 20, 2018 07:00 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MB

In "Telephone Road," "For the Long Haul," and "Hope that Can’t be Shaken," three church leaders share how they are ministering to their people and creating revival because of the storm."

#074 Remember Moore: Guilt & Grace

May 20, 2018 06:30 - 12 minutes - 17 MB

The stories "Freed from Guilt" and "What We Deserve" focus on how the tornado changed people’s perspectives on loss. Aimee, a young mother, talks about her struggle with guilt, and Paul and Rena Phillips share about the meaning of God’s grace in light of the national disasters they have endured.

#073 Remember Moore: Whatever It Takes

May 20, 2018 06:00 - 19 minutes - 26.3 MB

"An Unexpected Army," "Hitching to Help," "Helping the Heartland," and "Giving Back," are stories of volunteers from other states who came to Moore to help rebuild the town in the aftermath of the storm.

#072 Remember Moore: Sustaining Prayer

May 20, 2018 05:30 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MB

In "Below the Shed," Jamie shares her story of huddling in a neighbor’s shed with her husband and little boy. "Going Back" is Wayne William’s story of protecting his child from the tornado and going back as a firefighter to help others.

#071 Remember Moore: Everything as Loss

May 20, 2018 05:00 - 14 minutes - 20.3 MB

In "Most Precious Things" and "A Freeing Reality," Rena Phillips and Andrew Burkhart share how each of their experiences taught them to never take their families for granted but also to count everything they own as loss.

#070 From the Field: Radical Surrender

February 11, 2018 06:00 - 7 minutes - 10.8 MB

Tyler and Lauren spent a week overseas serving those who have been called to share the gospel. As they heard stories of individuals who had given up everything to move abroad, the Lord stirred in their own hearts a desire to surrender themselves fully to His calling, even if that meant joining their friends overseas. In this week’s episode, hear how Tyler and Lauren examine whether Jesus is truly better than all they have, no matter where He calls them.

#069 From the Field: Sign of Hope

February 04, 2018 06:00 - 7 minutes - 9.81 MB

While serving in the Middle East, Molly ministered to women who had suffered deep loss. She fostered relationships with them and listened to their stories of desperation, clinging to a desire to see them redeemed. During moments when she struggled to meet their physical needs, she found comfort in the truth that true treasure lies in Jesus Christ and His promise of hope.

#068 From the Field: Sustained

January 28, 2018 06:00 - 6 minutes - 9.21 MB

“There’s no way we’re sustained without God.” When Peter and Jessica moved overseas, they had high expectations for their ministry. However, after four and a half years of living in a completely different culture, a place where the name of Jesus is effectively forbidden, they’ve learned a new way to measure success. This week, hear how God has used their time abroad to draw them closer to Himself.

#067 From the Field: Into the Unknown

January 21, 2018 06:00 - 9 minutes - 13.3 MB

Todd and Esther both felt called by the Lord to pursue a unique ministry overseas. They followed Him into the unknown with no idea of how those plans would be fulfilled. Now, they have experienced the Lord’s leading after successfully establishing their organization that focuses on launching initiatives. Their work involves counseling people through projects and ideas by looking to scripture for discernment. This week, listen to how Todd and Esther follow God’s lead even when it seems unco...

#066 From the Field: Endurance

January 14, 2018 06:00 - 7 minutes - 8.98 MB

“God’s plan is bigger than me. God doesn’t need me. And His plans will hold true.” Adam was called to use his gifts as a coach to take the love of Christ to the nations. Applying the foundation of scripture, he and his coaching staff introduced forgiveness to a culture in desperate need of the gospel. Even in trials, he persists, knowing God will accomplish His mission.

#065 From the Field: A Lasting Hope

December 10, 2017 06:00 - 6 minutes - 7.29 MB

When Julie began sharing the gospel with university students overseas, she was met with unexpected resistance. Feeling under-equipped, she held on to God’s promise of faithfulness and continued to intercede for the students, praying for someone to come alongside her to share the gospel. This week, hear how God refueled Julie's trust in His power to soften people’s hearts and reveal the truth of His love.

#064 From the Field: Waves of Suffering

December 03, 2017 06:00 - 9 minutes - 10.8 MB

“How can a God who is loving and kind, gracious and merciful, not only allow, but sovereignly take people through pain and suffering?” When tragedy strikes Paul’s family, he is forced to sit in the tension of ministering to the unreached and being present to love and serve his family through the lowest point of their lives. As Paul wrestles with difficult doctrines and truths about who God is, he never could have foreseen all the ways that God has been preparing him to persevere through th...

#063 From the Field: Banned for Life

October 08, 2017 05:00 - 9 minutes - 10.6 MB

Jacob and Lisa encountered many obstacles while serving in South Asia, and ultimately this caused them to see their unhealthy view of suffering. They regrouped back home, returned to the field with a renewed perspective, and watched their ministry grow. After traveling abroad, they returned to South Asia, only to discover that the country had banned them for life. In this week's episode, hear how they press on, walking in faith to wherever He calls them next.

#062 From the Field: Safe House

October 01, 2017 05:00 - 8 minutes - 9.61 MB

During a season in North Africa, Samuel and Susan often wrestled with, "What does biblical community look like?" Surprisingly, God used a Muslim family to answer this question. While trapped in a time of intense fear and uncertainty, this family welcomed Samuel and Susan into their home, even when it meant putting themselves in harm's way. This week, hear how God worked through this Muslim community to sustain Samuel and Susan amid pain and heartache.

#051 From the Field: A Worthy Pursuit

August 06, 2017 05:00 - 7 minutes - 9.13 MB

This week, we bring you an encore of the second episode in our From the Field series. In September of 2015, God called Alan and Sydney to share the gospel through their new business in the Middle East amongst a Muslim people group. After being in the field for only a year, they quickly witnessed how God was moving in the hearts of those they ministered to—all the while, growing in sincere love and community with their new friends. On Thanksgiving Day in 2016, Alan and Sydney received a call...

#061 From the Field: His Glory is the Goal

July 16, 2017 05:00 - 7 minutes - 8.04 MB

Soon after becoming a believer, Callie felt the call to go to the nations. Desiring to share Jesus with the unreached, Callie launched to the Middle East to serve the Arab population and see God move among these people. While in the Middle East, however, Callie struggled to engage with Arab culture as most conversations turned into religious debate. Feeling inadequate and discouraged, Callie began to ask the Lord to help her communicate the gospel amid cultural differences. In His kindness,...

#060 From the Field: Light in the Darkness

July 02, 2017 05:00 - 8 minutes - 9.82 MB

Ruth and Caleb reflect on their hopes, fears, and dreams as they prepare to relocate to a region that is spiritually dark. With an eternal perspective and reliance on God's Word, they faithfully wait on what The Lord has for them, next.

#059 From the Field: Qualified by Christ

June 25, 2017 05:00 - 8 minutes - 9.45 MB

Believing the Lord was calling him to be on mission in the advertising world, Oliver applied and was accepted into the creative department of the University of Texas. However, feeling unqualified, he found himself failing his classes. As he began to question where the Lord was leading him, Oliver's childhood friends invited him to join their team in making disciples in South East Asia. Comforted by the truth that the blood of Christ qualifies him, Oliver joined his friends in answering God'...

#058 From the Field: Herald & Sow

June 18, 2017 05:00 - 8 minutes - 10 MB

Growing up, Sam developed a heart for unreached people groups. His passion for taking the gospel to the lost eventually led him and his wife to move to the Middle East, but he struggled with how ineffective his words seemed to be in drawing people to faith in Christ. A shift in theology encouraged him to remain on the field. Now, as a pastor of a church, Sam has found freedom in knowing that God alone is responsible for drawing the people of his region to Jesus.

#058 From the Field: Herald & Sow

June 18, 2017 05:00 - 8 minutes - 10 MB

Growing up, Sam developed a heart for unreached people groups. His passion for taking the gospel to the lost eventually led him and his wife to move to the Middle East, but he struggled with how ineffective his words seemed to be in drawing people to faith in Christ. A shift in theology encouraged him to remain on the field. Now, as a pastor of a church, Sam has found freedom in knowing that God alone is responsible for drawing the people of his region to Jesus.

#057 From the Field: Sovereign

June 11, 2017 05:00 - 7 minutes - 8.66 MB

Joe and Taylor had a longing to share the gospel in Central Asia for many years. When God finally opened the door for them to serve in that region, they immediately felt a tension between knowing there would be some difficulty serving overseas and thinking there would also be some "glamour" to the suffering. Heartache struck almost as soon as they arrived, and Joe and Taylor had to lean into God’s sovereignty more than ever.

#057 From the Field: Sovereign

June 11, 2017 05:00 - 7 minutes - 8.66 MB

Joe and Taylor had a longing to share the gospel in Central Asia for many years. When God finally opened the door for them to serve in that region, they immediately felt a tension between knowing there would be some difficulty serving overseas and thinking there would also be some "glamour" to the suffering. Heartache struck almost as soon as they arrived, and Joe and Taylor had to lean into God’s sovereignty more than ever.

Stories from The Austin Stone

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