The Unfolding

Marcel Patillo seemed born for a life in music. His father, Leon Patillo, sang with Santana before launching a Christian music career. His mother, Jackie, became president of the Gospel Music Association. And his brother, Gabe, toured with TobyMac for decades. 

But talent, opportunity and a childhood surrounded by faith couldn't give Marcel an identity, or a faith, of his own. He chased record deals, recognition and a future in Los Angeles, while God became someone he planned to get back to "eventually." When his dreams unraveled, and later when the death of his brother brought profound grief, alcohol pulled Marcel's life in a dangerous direction. 

In this episode, Marcel shares how God patiently drew him back through Scripture, Christian community and a series of small acts of obedience. Today, he creates music and films as I AM ABLE, including his newest song, "High," a cinematic depiction of the spiritual battle between darkness and light. 

Show Notes:   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarcelPatillo 

Website:  https://www.iamablemusic.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelpatillo/

"I witnessed the tragic shooting of my fiancé." 

 
 
Diana Kannady was 22, pregnant, and planning a wedding when her life changed in an instant. More than 20 years later, Diana would face another devastating loss when her husband, Chris, drowned just hours before their daughter's wedding. In both moments, Diana made the same decision: to trust God. Her story is a powerful picture of the peace Philippians says "transcends all understanding," and of God's faithfulness when life is anything but peaceful. 

https://www.dianakannadyauthor.com/

Content Warning – not appropriate for children.  

Bruce Van Natta's childhood was filled with abuse and trauma, but he had one encounter with Jesus that marked him.  He knew God was real.  What he didn't understand is why God didn't rescue him. As he got older, he clearly heard God call him into ministry, but he was angry, skeptical, and cynical. As a diesel mechanic, Bruce regularly worked on big rigs.  On a fateful day in 2006, he was lying under a logging truck that weighed 18,000 pounds. What happened on that day can only be described as other-worldly; an accident, a near-death experience, and an encounter with the supernatural. This is a graphic story that is not appropriate for younger listeners. Bruce Van Natta is the author of Saved by Angels and the founder of Sweet Bread Ministries. 

Website:  https://sweetbreadministries.com/ 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SweetBreadMinistries 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Saved-Angels-Expanded-Everyday-People/dp/076844134X

Tara Sierra Mosely didn't feel equipped when she was asked to pray for a dying woman in a remote village in Uganda. But she said yes, and God used that simple act of obedience as part of a much bigger story of salvation and new life. Tara's new book is House of the Forest: Life-Giving Declarations for Strength and Abundance in Every Season.

At seven years old, Lauren Burns was taken by her father from Texas to the Middle East, and her mom had no idea where she was. When the United States government couldn't help, Lauren's mother- supported by private investigators Rick and Beverly Lambert, parents of country artist Miranda Lambert- turned to a team of former military operatives for an extraordinary international rescue. 

The rescue made international headlines. But coming home was only the beginning. Lauren still faced childhood trauma, father wounds and a difficult question: She knew God was real, but was He good? 

Lauren Burns is the author of Stolen: A True Story of Kidnapping, Rescue, and Redemption, a powerful true crime memoir. Her story later inspired a television movie. Today, Lauren is a speaker on trauma, redemption, and faith, and the host of The Redeemed Podcast 

Learn more at laurenburns.net. 

This episode discusses childhood abduction and trauma and may not be appropriate for young listeners. 

Show Notes:  

Website:  https://www.laurenburns.net/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/laurenburnsredeemed/ 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBurnsAuthor 

Book:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT9VMK3Z?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback