Plays On Word Radio

PODCAST · religion

Plays On Word Radio

An in-depth look at the Word of God, the Plays On Word community, and the Plays - with original music - we perform, that are based on the Word of God. New episodes drop Fridays at 7AM EST! To find out how Plays On Word Theater can perform 'LIVE on YOUR STAGE' and to support this missionary & podcast visit: https://playsonword.org/

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    EP 172: The Only Answer That Gets You In

    Send us Fan Mail"Do you have true assurance of salvation? What would you tell God at heaven’s door, and would it be enough? This episode contrasts faith and works, showing salvation comes through Jesus alone, not a church, or tradition, or emotional altar-call moments." We come back from our New Jersey and New York run with stories from the road, laughs from an old church, and a sober question about what we would say if God asked why we should be let in. We draw a hard line between faith in Christ and trusting our own good works, then we explain why we keep giving a clear invitation to respond to the gospel. • stories from the tour and the joy of old saints and old churches • the “Rabbi Dave” moment and how the play connects to Scripture • why comfort complaints miss the bigger point of grit and worship • why we still give an invitation even when it feels like “the choir” • the danger of assuming everyone in a Christian room is saved • the muffler shop analogy and why church attendance can’t save • assurance of salvation and the only answer that gives access • prayer for salvation and prayer for restoring fellowship • the difference between relationship with God and broken fellowship Please click on the underlined links throughout.Subscribe and share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find it. Go to our website, you can donate, you can give, help us out... If you want to do a one-time donation, or if you want to become a monthly partner - PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/Please keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our NEW & IMPROVED Website at playsonword.orgStay Up To Date with our: Plays On Word E-News Sign UpThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! Want us to visit your church/venue/community? Please check out: Book It!To See the Vision Behind the Mission of Plays On Word Theater & Radio, please visit: https://www.playsonword.org/supportPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  2. 172

    Ep 171: Lambertville Faith Stories From A Historic River Town

    Send us Fan Mail"Today, we speak with Don and Desre Pidcock from Community Church of Lambertville about the Shad Festival, a tornado-shaped faith journey, Scripture engagement, and outreach. Can you relate to a transformed faith from lukewarm belief to active service?"We sit down with Don and Desre Pidcock at Community Church of Lambertville/ First Presbyterian Church and talk about a weekend of worship, Scripture, and surprising connections in a historic Delaware River town. From Shad Fest stories to a tornado that pushed one heart back toward the Word, we keep coming back to the same idea: God meets people through worship, community, and the Bible that's alive. • worship as joining what heaven is already doing • Lambertville’s history near Washington’s Crossing • Shad Fest origins and why shad divides opinion • Don’s faith turning point after the 1976 tornado • Revelation 3:16 and moving from lukewarm to committed • Friday morning Bible study at McDonald’s and public witness • why performing Scripture makes Bible stories feel present • music choices that energize worship and deepen attention • opening church space to the community through skating, groups, and meals Please click on the underlined links throughout.Stop by the the church here, right in the center of town: Community Church of Lambertville/ First PresbyterianSubscribe and share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find it.  If you want to do a one-time donation, or if you want to become a monthly partner - PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/Please keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our NEW & IMPROVED Website at playsonword.orgStay Up To Date with our: Plays On Word E-News Sign UpThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! Want us to visit your church/venue/community? Please check out: Book It!To See the Vision Behind the Mission of Plays On Word Theater & Radio, please visit: https://www.playsonword.org/supportPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  3. 171

    Ep 170: Resurrection Morning And The Empty Tomb (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"DO you understand how the Resurrection of Jesus is the greatest FEAT in all history? Today, we continue with our examination of the empty tomb and its implications for US."You can spend your whole life trying to become a “better swimmer” and still never cross an impossible ocean. That is the tension Pastor Teddy (Fred David Kenney Jr.) presses today as we return to the Resurrection Sunday message and sit with the implications of the empty tomb. The claim is simple and disruptive: we do not rescue ourselves with good works or spiritual upgrades. Jesus comes to us, removes the chain of sin, and brings us to God.We connect the resurrection of Jesus to the Bible’s deeper threads, including the third day pattern and the Feast of First Fruits, then we open Isaiah 53 and follow the prophecy beyond suffering into life that continues. From there, we lay out a memorable case for evidence with FEAT: Jesus’ Fatality, the Empty tomb, His Appearances, and the Transformation that follows. The disciples are changed, Mary Magdalene is changed, and the risen Christ still changes people across history, including stories of hope that surface in the darkest places.The conversation also gets personal: do we treat prayer like a quick ritual, or do we live like we actually have access to God Almighty? We talk about Jesus as the Light of the world, how we become lamps only because He lives through us, and why gratitude should shape our daily walk. We close by taking communion together and pointing everything back to “It is finished”.Please click on the underlined links throughout. Subscribe for more Bible teaching, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find it. What line from the message hit you hardest? Tell Us Here!If you want to do a one-time donation, or if you want to become a monthly partner - PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/Please keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our NEW & IMPROVED Website at playsonword.orgStay Up To Date with our: Plays On Word E-News Sign UpThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! Want us to visit your church/venue/community? Please check out: Book It!To See the Vision Behind the Mission of Plays On Word Theater & Radio, please visit: https://www.playsonword.org/supportPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  4. 170

    Ep 169: Resurrection Morning And The Empty Tomb (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail“There IS no tomorrow” becomes urgent when viewed through eternity; John 20’s empty tomb, Mary’s encounter, and fulfilled Scripture confront us: Since Jesus truly rose, how should we live right now?We follow the darkness of Good Friday into the sunrise of Resurrection morning, from Mary’s tears at the tomb to the moment Jesus speaks her name. We connect the urgency of “there is no tomorrow” with the gospel logic of why Jesus dies and why the resurrection is the turning point for our salvation. • listener-supported radio and how partners help fuel the tour and the plays • the warning against spiritual delay and the call to respond today • John 20 and the run to the empty tomb • Mary Magdalene’s grief & the recognition moment when Jesus says “Mary” • the two angels image and the Ark of the Covenant mercy seat connection • why perfection is the standard and why all fall short • substitutionary atonement and Jesus as the true scapegoat and sacrifice • the torn curtain and access to God through faith in Christ • relighting the candle and the theme of light overcoming darkness • Philippians 2 and the promise that every knee will bow • Genesis “third day” and first fruits as a resurrection pattern • Isaiah 53 pointing to death followed by prolonged days Please click on the underlined links throughout.Subscribe for more Bible teaching, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find it. What line from the message hit you hardest? Tell Us Here!If you want to do a one-time donation, or if you want to become a monthly partner - PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/Please keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our NEW & IMPROVED Website at playsonword.orgStay Up To Date with our: Plays On Word E-News Sign UpThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! Want us to visit your church/venue/community? Please check out: Book It!To See the Vision Behind the Mission of Plays On Word Theater & Radio, please visit: https://www.playsonword.org/supportPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  5. 169

    Ep 168: Why Jesus Had To Die On The Cross

    Send us Fan Mail"Consider Jesus as the Undercover Boss: today’s episode depicts how the unrecognized Creator fulfilled sacrifices, bore sin, removed barriers, and triumphed through the cross, turning judgment into redemption. Do YOU recognize Him?"We connect Good Friday to the Bible’s bigger story and answer the hard question of why Jesus has to die on the cross. We trace the logic from Genesis to the prophets to the temple and show how “It is finished” means the debt is paid and access to God is opened. • Jesus as the ultimate Undercover Boss who enters His world unrecognized • John 1 and the Word as Creator and Light • Genesis and the origin of sin and death • Sin as missing the mark and God’s perfection as the standard • Why “all have sinned” creates the need for rescue • Leviticus and the scapegoat as a picture of substitution • Isaiah 53 and the suffering servant bearing our iniquity • The scarlet thread of redemption and the worm illustration • Hebrews and Jesus as priest, sacrifice, and mediator of the new covenant • Wrath poured out on Christ and judgment passing over those who trust Him • “Paid in full,” the torn temple curtain, and restored access to God • Communion and the promise that Sunday is coming Please click on the underlined links throughout. Original Service Message with SlidesPlease keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  6. 168

    Ep 167: Loving Leviticus - And Why Most People Hate It (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"Can you think of any Bible books you dislike or even hate reading? For many, it's Leviticus. Today, Pastor Dan Shunk continues the discussion about his new book, Loving Leviticus: And Why Most People Hate It."Leviticus stops feeling random when we read it with Hebrews and let Jesus be the key that unlocks the offerings, the priesthood, and the tabernacle. We trace how “types and shadows” move from sin being covered to sin being removed, then land on a leprosy cleansing ritual that paints a surprising picture of resurrection.• the burnt offering as total dedication to God• the five offerings as facets of Christ’s one sacrifice• sin covered under the old covenant versus propitiation at the cross• Hebrews as the lens for understanding Leviticus• Christ as greater priest than Aaron in the order of Melchizedek• leprosy as the biblical picture of sin and discernment• Leviticus 14 and the two birds as a resurrection portrait• reading the Bible to find Jesus on every page• Scripture over experience and “they have Moses and the prophets”Just look on the show notes of this podcast, and you'll be able to pick up a Kindle copy or a hard copy.To find out more, check out our website.Please click on the underlined links throughout.Dan's new Book: Loving Leviticus: And Why Most People Hate ItDan's 1st book: Ezekiel's Clock: And The Key To Unlock The 430-Year Prophecy Of Modern IsraelChurch Website: Calvary Chapel Chambersburg, PAPlease keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  7. 167

    Ep 166: Loving Leviticus - And Why Most People Hate It (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever tried to read Leviticus and found yourself stuck and lost? Well, today we talk with Pastor Dan Shunk about his new book that will absolutely get you unstuck."We sit down with Pastor Daniel Shunk to talk about his new book, Loving Leviticus and Why Most People Hate It, and why so many readers stall when they reach this part of the Bible. We walk through the laws, feasts, and offerings to show how Leviticus points to Jesus Christ and why it still matters under the New Covenant. • Why Leviticus feels confusing to modern readers • Why Pastor Daniel writes a book defending Leviticus • The “Ted and Joe” argument and the common Leviticus gotcha • Separating civil law from ceremonial law from moral law • Reading Old Testament rituals as types and shadows of Christ • Passover and the feasts as a timeline of Jesus’ work • Why God delights when we dig for meaning • The five main offerings and the many facets of the cross • Covering versus true atonement and Christ as the final High PriestPlease click on the underlined links throughout.Dan's new Book: Loving Leviticus: And Why Most People Hate ItDan's 1st book: Ezekiel's Clock: And The Key To Unlock The 430-Year Prophecy Of Modern IsraelChurch Website: Calvary Chapel Chambersburg, PAPlease keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  8. 166

    Ep 165: How Plays On Word Brings Scripture To Every Denomination

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever heard of believers maintaining unity while having theological differences? Well, believe it or not, we kicked off our 2026 'PETE' season at a Catholic church where we found unity in Christ despite our differences."We kick off the 2026 season with a milestone performance at a Catholic church and talk plainly about why we’ll bring the Word of God anywhere the Lord opens the door. We also share what’s next for Plays On Word, why we aim for depth instead of distraction, and how you can help move the mission forward. • first Catholic church invitation in 12 years and what that says about unity in Christ • focusing on essentials of the faith while debating non-essentials without division • giving invitations to receive Christ and to return to the Lord with a clean heart • why the podcast matters and how weekly consistency builds real community • relaunching the website to unite theater and radio under one mission • “not amusement” and why we want Scripture that makes you think and change • upcoming tour dates including Shad Fest and seasonal play schedule • ways to support including prayer, sharing, volunteering, merch, and monthly giving Please keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 164: Job’s Hidden Messianic Clues

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you considered Job? Job reveals suffering’s purpose through messianic hints: a heavenly witness, an arbiter, and the declaration of a living Redeemer. These themes point to Christ as mediator and kinsman-redeemer, offering hope beyond guilt, accusations, and pain."Job is usually treated like a book you survive, not a book you savor. We come at it from a different angle: Job as a Christ-centered story packed with messianic prophecy, mediation language, and resurrection hope that shows up long before the Gospels. If you’ve ever wondered why suffering can feel so personal and God can feel so distant, Job’s words are strangely direct, and they push us toward a solution that’s bigger than willpower or good advice.We walk through four distinct passages where Job’s pain breaks open and a clear theological signal shines through. Job longs for an “arbiter” who can stand between him and a holy God, then he insists he has a witness in heaven who will testify for him. From there we hit the line that has carried generations through grief: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” We connect those statements to core Christian doctrine about Jesus Christ as the Divine Mediator, Advocate, and Intercessor, and we talk honestly about why that matters when guilt, shame, and accusations start to feel louder than grace.Then we dig into the Hebrew word Goel, the kinsman-redeemer, and trace the redemption pattern from Job into Ruth and ultimately to Christ’s incarnation. We also zoom out to the full narrative: Job’s friends offer confident but wrong counsel, God answers from the whirlwind, and the twist is that Job becomes an intercessor for the very friends who misjudged him, a powerful type of Christ. If you want deeper Bible study, biblical theology, and a fresh way to read the Book of Job, press play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up • Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater • The Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  10. 164

    Ep 163: Beyond The Music - Choosing Daily Obedience (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"Today on Plays On Word Radio, we continue our discussion with our dear brother, pastor, author, and worship leader Harold B., as we delve into the meaning of true worship."What if worship isn’t about the song you sing but the choice you make when sin crouches at the door? We sit down with pastor, author, and worship leader Harold B to reframe worship as obedience, presence, and love that moves from the private prayer closet into the messy beauty of team life. Starting with Cain and Abel, Harold walks us through the moment of decision where God’s grace offers a real option and our will either yields or resists. That hinge—choose God’s way or your own—becomes the truest test of worship.We talk about carrying God’s presence into every space, not confining Him to a set or a sanctuary. Harold shares how desire for God must be formed by Scripture, meditation, and repentance, and how many of us need to unlearn our assumptions before we can live worship the way God intended. From there, we pivot to community: loving God with all we are, then proving it by loving our neighbor. Teams become the training ground where forgiveness is chosen before feelings, humility outruns talent, and submission to leadership shapes character. Practical rhythms matter—praying for one another during rehearsal, inserting Bible study into practice, and creating space to confess and heal so the song comes from a whole heart.Drawing on the Levite pattern fulfilled in Christ, Harold reminds us that the torn veil means bold access for every believer. When two or three gather in His name without agendas, unity becomes power. We dive into the costs and rewards of this path: carrying your weight, dying to self, honoring authority, and letting your life sing louder than the mic ever could. If you’re a worship leader, a volunteer, or simply someone who wants your choices to honor God, this conversation clears the fog and points to a lifestyle that changes atmospheres because it surrenders first.If this spoke to you, follow the show, share it with a friend on your team, and leave a quick review with one takeaway you’re choosing to live this week. Your words help others find the message and join the journey.(Please click on the underlined links below.) Harold B's Media Links: https://linktr.ee/harold_bThis program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up • Support Plays On Word RadioPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  11. 163

    Ep 162: Beyond The Music - Choosing Daily Obedience (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"What if worship isn’t the song, the stage, or the swell of the chorus—but the quiet, costly “yes” that follows when the music stops? Today, we sit down with artist, author, pastor, and longtime friend Harold B to find out the answer."We trace a lifelong friendship with artist-pastor Harold B to ask a simple question with big stakes: if worship is obedience, what role does music really play. Stories of makeshift studios, a one-man play, and a bold high school witness show how choices shape a life with God.• music as encourager, not the end• worship defined as daily obedience• Abraham’s worship without instruments• guarding the heart from toxic media• listening to the still small voice• boldness formed by small choices• Genesis lessons on repentance and truth• practical habits that keep Jesus on the throne(Please click on the underlined links below.)Harold B's Media Links: https://linktr.ee/harold_bPlease keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    EP 161: Tracing The Scarlet Thread Of Redemption Through Genesis (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail“From Babel’s pride to the ark’s single door, Genesis traces a unified thread toward a promised King that converges in Christ. Question: How do Joseph’s rejection and exaltation deepen your understanding of Christ’s first and second comings?"A scattered tongue at Babel and a single open door on an ark don’t just make memorable scenes—they chart a path across Scripture toward a promised King. We follow that path with open Bibles and honest questions, tracking how God overturns human pride with patient promises, how signs and stories become waypoints, and how two prophetic lines—the coming man and the coming God—meet in one person.We start with the tents of Shem and the Shekinah hint that God intends to dwell with his people. Noah’s ark stands as a living parable: one door, judgment kept at bay, and a preacher of righteousness calling anyone who will hear. From there the focus tightens to Abraham, whose name is made great not by tower-building but by trust. The promises to Abram—nation, blessing, a seed—build a scaffold for hope that stretches to every family on earth. In the laughter of Isaac’s birth we hear the echo of a greater miracle in Mary’s womb; on Moriah we see wood laid on a son’s shoulders and learn the name the mountain still bears: the Lord will provide.Then Judah steps forward with a scepter and a clue: Shiloh is coming. Early readers knew the word as shorthand for Messiah, a signal that royal authority would stream from one tribe until the true ruler appeared. Joseph’s story brings the pattern into focus. Rejected, sold, thought dead, and then lifted to the right hand with authority, he receives a Gentile bride and offers forgiveness to the very brothers who betrayed him. His second appearance to them is not humble; it is glorious and undeniable, a scene that foreshadows how we expect Christ to return—with splendor, justice, and mercy.Along the way we unpack why firstborn expectations keep flipping, how typology works without being forced, and why the call remains urgent: the door is open today. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Bible’s earliest chapters actually cohere, this journey shows a single thread running through Noah, Abraham, Judah, and Joseph—tied securely in Christ, the door, the Lamb, and the King. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves Old Testament puzzles, and leave a review telling us which moment in Genesis lit up for you.Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    EP 160: Tracing The Scarlet Thread Of Redemption Through Genesis (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"Are any of you old enough to remember when we used maps before GPS? Today, we plug in the coordinates for the Messiah and explore the Scripture."We trace the Old Testament’s map to the Messiah, from the garden promise to the ark’s door and Rahab’s scarlet cord, showing how Scripture points to Jesus as the anointed King, Priest and Prophet. We connect prophecy and typology so the story reads as one plan of rescue.• John 5:39 as the study’s anchor• Protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 and the promised seed• Rahab’s scarlet thread as a sign of salvation• Meaning of Messiah and the three anointed offices• Cain and Abel as early typology of Christ• Noah, Shem and the hint of God dwelling with His people• The ark’s single door and the pitch as images of atonement• Passover imagery and the better word of Christ’s blood• Invitation to respond while the door is open(Please click on the underlined links below.)Please keep this ministry in prayer. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 159: Incomplete On Purpose - How Genesis Points Us Back To God

    Send us Fan Mail"Are men and women incomplete? Today, we move from Adam to Ruth, showing a marriage design, honoring difference, and Old Testament promises pointing to Jesus, reshaping daily life, faith, and reading Scripture as one redemptive story."We move from snow stories and regional quirks to Genesis, showing how Adam’s deep sleep, design, and blame point to a larger theme: Scripture from the first pages leads to Jesus. Along the way we share why Ruth belongs in a Christmas play and invite you to a new study.• contrasts between Northeast blizzards and Southern shutdowns• pastoring during storms with livestream worship• audience check in across our global footprint• why Old Testament stories point to Christ• Ruth and Bethlehem as markers to the Messiah• Hebrew nuance of rib versus side in Genesis 2• Adam’s blame shift and the cost of excuse• marriage as design, difference as gift, patience as practice• updates on the Adam play and creative plans• invitation to the GPS to the Messiah study(Please click on the underlined links below.)Please keep this ministry in prayer as we lock in some new tours and actually some exciting things on the horizon. This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 158: From Shepherds To Transfiguration - Seeing God’s Glory Up Close

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever wrestled with the line between bold faith and careful wisdom? This conversation invites you to slow down, look up, and let Scripture set the pace. Today on Plays on Word Radio."We trace God’s glory from the shepherds’ night in Luke 2 to the Transfiguration in Matthew 17, and reflect on choosing wisdom over risk during a winter storm that halted our trip to America’s Keswick. Eyewitness faith, inner transformation, and simple worship shape how we move forward together.• update on America’s Keswick and our planned 'CHRISTMAS JOE' presentation• the shepherds’ encounter with the angel and heavenly host in Luke 2• the Transfiguration and the meaning of metamorphosis in Matthew 17• Romans 12 on inner renewal versus outward conformity• Peter’s eyewitness account in 2 Peter 1 and its weight for faith• discerning faith versus presumption in travel and ministry decisions• community, worship, and songs that steady the heart• plans to return in spring and requests for prayer supportPlease be in prayer for us.(Please click on the underlined links below.)This program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 157: When God Says No - Grief, Prayer, And The Promise Of Comfort

    Send us Fan Mail"We face unanswered prayer through sadness and loss, searching Scripture for resilient comfort — Paul’s thorn, resurrection hope, shared grief. Question: When prayers end in "no", how does God’s grace sustain faith?"We share a hard week with our Plays On Word family: praying for baby Samuel, grieving with James and Sara, and holding to the comfort God promises when the answer is "no". Scripture, story, and prayer lead us to a hope that outlasts storms, diagnoses, and silence.• the God of all comfort amid affliction• storm updates and travel plans put on hold• the story of our dear brother James Serpico • pleading for a miracle and facing a "no"• Paul’s thorn, weakness, and sufficient grace• the Gospel as hope stronger than death• Joseph and Job as patterns for endurance• community duty to help by prayer• a closing prayer and blessing over the grievingTo find out more, check out our Plays On Word website at: https://playsonword.org/(Please click on the underlined links below.)EP 120Ep 121Plays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 156: A Pastor’s Journey Across Cultures And Callings

    Send us Fan Mail"Imagine if your name meant “God is with us!” This is the meaning of our dear Brother Emmanuel Agyemfra's name. We visited with him on our last Christmas Joe Tour. Listen in!"We sit down with Pastor Emmanuel to trace a faith journey from a Ghanaian living room church to Korean seminaries to New Jersey congregations, and we cast a vision for bringing Plays on Word Theater to Ghana. Along the way we explore “dinner church,” bivocational ministry, and how unity in Christ thrives across many languages.• early discipleship in a home church in Ghana• starting a campus fellowship and owning calling• bivocational mentors and NGO-minded service• seminary studies and ministry posts in Korea• transition to New Jersey churches and community care• dinner church as practical evangelism and hospitality• vision for a Ghana theater outreach powered by Scripture• diversity as a gift and unity in Christ as center• language, culture and the shared “hallelujah”• closing prayer and pastoral blessingInformation for Emmanuel’s church, Leonia UMC, is in the show notes.(Please click on the underlined links below.)Leonia UMC Church: https://leonia.church/Plays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  18. 156

    Ep 155: A Coach, A Brother, A Faith That Endures

    Send us Fan Mail"Today we look back on our time with our dear brother Vinnie Whitehead. His life touched multitudes of people for eternity. He is now in glory with his Lord, and we look forward to seeing him again."A good life leaves footprints you can follow in the dark. We remember Arthur “Vinnie” Whitehead — coach, teacher, elder, and friend—and trace the quiet choices that turned classrooms, gyms, and retreats into places where faith took root. Grief is honest here, but hope has the last word. We share the first handshake that felt like a challenge and a welcome, the late-night Bible study with an open door that drew men into Scripture, and the simple ways one person’s courage can become a community’s backbone.You’ll hear how a high school coach redirected a student from detention to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and changed the arc of a life. We revisit ministry threads that span Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, Crossfields, and local camps, and we include Vinnie’s own testimony—from a religious routine to a living walk with Jesus, through battle and breaking, to a faith rebuilt by steady, verse-by-verse teaching. It’s a picture of discipleship that grows slow and strong: prayer, Scripture, accountability, and service.This is also a frank look at time. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, relationships need repair, and the Gospel is too good to hoard. We hold sorrow and joy together, anchored by the promise of resurrection and the conviction that a life can preach long after the voice is quiet. If you’ve ever wondered whether small acts matter, this story says yes—welcome the newcomer, open your Bible, keep the door ajar, and finish strong.If this tribute encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can hear Vinnie’s legacy and meet the hope that carried him. Then tell us: whose faith shaped yours, and how will you pass it on? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviews(Please click on the underlined links below.)Calvary Crossfields interview #1Calvary Crossfields interview #2To honor Vinnie’s life and legacy, and in gratitude for the faith and values he lived out, donations in his memory may be made to a ministry close to his heart: Fellowship Of Christian Athletes - New Jersey: https://www.fcanj.org/donatePlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://plaPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  19. 155

    Ep 154: From Global Listens To A Year Of Gospel-Fueled Growth - Season Four Begins!

    Send us Fan Mail"How can seeing Jesus as rescue, not restriction, reshape your faith this coming year? Today we kick off season four with global gratitude, gospel clarity, stories from the road, and practical discipleship, urging renewed joy and courage."Season four launches with gratitude, a global roll call, and a clear gospel reset for the new year. We share stories from tours and church planting, celebrate salvations at the plays, and call believers to renewed power, purity, and purpose.• how the podcast began and stayed weekly• listener reach across 75 countries• reading scripture in multiple languages• 2025 interview highlights and takeaways• church planting and touring balance• salvations during performances and follow-up• the cross as perfect justice and mercy• Christ as the only way to the Father• practical counsel for repentance and purity• identity, resilience, and pressing forward• upcoming plays and plans for KeswickThis program was made possible by the Plays One Word family of supporters. To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.org(Please click on the underlined links below.)Plays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word websitePlays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected] On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  20. 154

    Ep 153: 'CHRISTMAS JOE' 2025

    Send us Fan Mail"Today, we are going to share what we affectionately call 'CHRISTMAS JOE'. This is a recent performance from our 2025 tour. Merry Christmas Y'All!"We share Joseph’s first-person journey from shock to trust on the night the shepherds arrive, weaving Isaiah, Micah, Ruth, and Boaz into the birth that fulfills ancient hope. A carpenter’s resolve turns from fixing problems to carrying promise as prophecy meets a manger.• the shepherds’ announcement and angelic chorus• Joseph’s plan to divorce and the dream’s command• Isaiah’s sign of the virgin and Emmanuel• Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and the Magnificat• Zechariah’s silence, Gabriel’s message, and John’s calling• journey to Bethlehem and Davidic lineage• Ruth and Boaz as the pattern of redemption• no room in the houses and the stable birth• Micah’s promise of a ruler from Bethlehem• the names of the child and Joseph’s calling(Please click on the underlined links below.)Plays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  21. 153

    Ep 152: A Puerto Rican Journey To Faith, Family, And Freedom From The Flesh (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"Today we continue our Spirit Filled conversation with our dear brother and sister Orlando & Gloria Burgos. Two people who the Lord used to greatly influence us for the Lord and even make Plays on Word Possible!"A single sentence can rattle a life. When a friend calmly said, “Believe what you want; I’m at peace with Christ,” it set off a time bomb that exposed our compromises, challenged our assumptions, and led to an eight-hour encounter with Scripture that changed everything. We share the journey from trying to cram the Bible into evolution to trusting the God who speaks, designs, and rules with purpose. The conversation is candid, funny in the way only old friends can be, and unflinching about the hard parts: idols, money, fear of people, and the offense of the cross.You’ll hear how a simple testimony outperformed a thousand arguments, why quiet conviction often does more than debate ever could, and how reading the Bible with an open heart can reorder your loves. We talk about contentment when jobs vanish, stewardship when opportunities appear, and the difference between using money as a tool and letting money use you. Proverbs 3:5–6 becomes a lifeline, reminding us to trust the Lord, refuse self-reliance, and acknowledge Him on every path. We also recover a neglected word—born again—returning to John 3 to explain new birth, daily surrender, and the war between flesh and Spirit that every believer must face.If you’ve ever tried to make faith “fit” cultural narratives to keep the peace, this story will nudge you toward a better peace—the kind rooted in God’s authority and the reliability of His Word. Come for the laughter, stay for the clarity, and leave with renewed courage to live a consistent witness. Listen now, then share this episode with someone who’s wrestling, and leave a review to help others find the show. Subscribe for more conversations that put Scripture at the center and spark real change.(Please click on the underlined links below.)Contact Chef Christina @ Boritina Products!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boritinaproductsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuenProvechoRestaurantCafePlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  22. 152

    Ep 151: A Puerto Rican Journey To Faith, Family, And Freedom From The Flesh (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"Today, on Plays On Word Radio, we are visiting with our dear dear brother and sister in Christ, Orlando and Gloria Burgos."Two friends revisit the long road from jealousy and fear to peace and purpose, tracing how a rainy night, a persistent invitation, and Psalm 103 sparked a lasting change. We weigh family tension, the war between flesh and spirit, and why truth holds when emotions fade.• Orlando’s move from Puerto Rico and early struggles• The breakup, the floor, and the friend who kept inviting• Psalm 103 and a quiet, lasting conversion• Distaste for old habits without legalism• Family pushback and seeking truth in Scripture• Gloria’s welcome, rebirth, and shared commitment• Practicing God’s presence to halt the flesh• Romans 7’s struggle and hope in Christ• Mourning, mortality, and gospel opportunities• Creation’s witness, Romans 1 and 8, and urgency• Testing big claims about heaven and origins(Please click on the underlined links below.)Plays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  23. 151

    Ep 150: God With Us In A Broken World

    Send us Fan Mail"Today, we get urgent updates from Haiti along with requests for prayer leading into this Christmas season: How does Emmanuel’s promise of “God with us” shape the way we pray amid real-world fear and crisis?"We rally prayer for Haiti’s spiraling crisis, name missionaries on the ground, and intercede together. We trace Emmanuel through Matthew, unpack Jesus’ “I am” claim in John 8, and find grace in the messy genealogy that leads to Christmas hope and courageous mission.• updates from Haiti’s lawlessness and risk to missionaries• corporate prayer for protection, boldness and deliverance• praying for persecutors as an offensive act of faith• Emmanuel as Matthew’s opening and closing promise• “Before Abraham was, I am” and Jesus’ deity• genealogy of Jesus and grace through broken stories• Joseph’s royal line and the kingly claim to David’s throne• call to ongoing intercession during the Christmas seasonShoot us a text or an email if you’ve answered the call to lift up our brothers and sisters and their persecutors!(Please click on the underlined links below.)Previous Podcast with Brian McDanielPrevious Podcast with Bastia Part One & Part TwoPam & Patrick Hess Podcast Part One & Part TwoTo find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 149: Stories Of Faith, Loss, And Lasting Hope

    Send us Fan Mail"What if gratitude isn’t a feeling but a strategy for the soul? Today, we revisit with three unforgettable stories—a Haitian missionary, a Brooklyn pastoral couple, and a former NFL quarterback who all learned about God’s grace—and their callings."A gratitude-soaked best-of brings testimonies from a Haitian missionary, a Brooklyn pastoral couple, and an NFL quarterback turned dentist, each pointing to Scripture, salvation, and steady hope. We share why thanks can lead the heart, how grief refines faith, and where ministry multiplies.• practicing thanksgiving when emotions lag• Brian McDaniels’ jailhouse conversion and Scripture discipline• how meditation on the Word fuels calling and courage• Melissa’s journey through loss to a deeper view of healing• preparing children with a living faith and a place to turn• Gary Quazzo’s shift from legalism to grace and assurance• culture, character, and the changing NFL landscape• FCA roots in New Jersey and expanding student impact• ministry formed through tragedy and school outreach• church planting, shepherd training, and lifelong discipleshipClick on underlined links below:Make sure you try to come out and check out our 'CHRISTMAS JOE' tour if you can. This is gonna be a limited run.Cross To Light Ministry - https://crosstolight.com | Brian and Sophia McDaniel Testimony Ministry Continues in Haiti Despite Rising Gang Violence -https://calvarychapelmagazine.org/articles–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Trinity Tabernacle of Gravesend Website: http://www.trinitytab.com/Trinity's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityTabernacleOfGravesend/Trinity's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinitytabernacle7584Scripture Bakery (Melissa's Bakery! - Check her out online/ DM to order):  https://www.instagram.com/scripture_bakery/?igsh=YXRtOW5mZ2h2ZHpm#'PETE' @ Trinity 08/15/25: https://www.youtube.com/live/CQwiEmzsEKs?t=969s–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Fellowship Of Christian Athletes - FCA: https://www.fca.org/Gary Cuozzo Truth In Sports: https://truthinsports.org/gary_cuozzo/Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  25. 149

    Ep 148: From Thanksgiving To Praise - Why Gratitude Changes Everything

    Send us Fan Mail"Gratitude deepens from polite thanks to worship rooted in God’s saving work, seen in Joseph’s mercy and Philip’s desert encounter. How does recognizing God’s providence reshape your response to both open and closed doors?"We trace how everyday gratitude grows into worship, moving from holiday traditions to Scripture’s deeper call to praise. Joseph’s famine rescue, Philip’s desert appointment, and God’s wise "no" reveal why saved people serve gladly.• thanksgiving as praise, not mere manners• cultural tensions around the holiday and travel• learning to thank God for "no" as protection• Genesis 47 and grateful servants under Joseph• Acts 8 and joy after desert baptism• hope for messy stories turned into masterpieces• entering God’s presence with thanksgiving and praiseUntil next week, the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace!To find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  26. 148

    Ep 147: Passing The Buck To God

    Send us Fan Mail"Do you think the term “Pass the Buck” is negative? Passing the buck to God isn’t evasion—it’s alignment. Today we'll look at this."We trace Paul’s journey from Stephen’s stoning to Damascus, and the quiet courage of Ananias who walked toward danger and found a brother. We share tour updates, creative hurdles, and why passing the buck to God frees our words and strengthens our witness.• Passing the buck to God as a posture of witness• 'CHRISTMAS JOE' sprint tour updates and prayer request• Preview of the Paul play from dungeon to testimony• Stephen’s martyrdom and Saul’s zeal• Damascus light, scales, and conversion• Ananias’ obedience and “Brother Saul”• Sincerity versus truth and doctrinal clarity• Production challenges, studio setup, and next stepsTo find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 146: GraceWay, From Logistics To Ministry Growth (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when a logistics exec surrenders his plans and lets God redirect the entire playbook? Pastor Don Schwing continues with us for a conversation about how leadership, faith, and kindness can transform a whole community."A ground-level story of faith, logistics, and community impact: how a below-market building, creative member lending, and township favor sparked a food pantry, ESL and GED programs, and multi-service growth rooted in worship, not consumption. We share how a simple mindset shift—“I get to”—reshaped prayer, volunteering, metrics, and long-term planning toward disciple making and future campuses.• Securing a $1M property for ~$600k through providence and persistence• Member-financed purchase using IRAs with simple interest• Township favor and streamlined approvals for rapid buildout• Volunteer-led renovations saving significant labor costs• A relational food pantry offering prayer and dignity• ESL and GED pathways that open doors for the gospel• Staffing and hospitality designed for disciple making• Service-time strategy to balance capacity and culture• Protecting volunteers from burnout with rotations• Planning for multi-site growth over three to five years• The “I get to” mindset for prayer and service• Honoring a 90-year legacy while preparing to multiplyTo find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPastor Don Schwing, Executive Pastor - GraceWay Bible ChurchPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

  28. 146

    Ep 145: GraceWay, Genesis, And A Wake-Up Call (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when a pastor bets on a story—and a storyteller—he’s never seen? That simple 'yes' shaped a rich conversation about risk, trust, and how creative ministry can reignite a love for Scripture."We trace Pastor Don Schwing’s journey from ritual to relationship, the power of storytelling to wake up a church, and the surprising ways God guides a congregation’s future. Humor, honesty, and a 7‑Eleven-sized miracle reveal how surrender fuels real ministry.• why embodied storytelling makes Scripture feel urgent again• how a single sentence shattered self‑justification• moving from willpower to surrender and abiding• using humor to reset attention without losing reverence• resisting broad‑brush labels to see people first• leadership under pressure and the habit of peace• Graceway’s staffing model and shared mission• the vision for an outreach center next door• practical providence in property, timing, and priceTo find out more, check out our website at playsonword.orgPastor Don Schwing, Executive Pastor - GraceWay Bible ChurchPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you?Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 144: From Stage to Scripture (Part 2) - Pastor Steve Reynolds Continues on Faith, Weight Loss, and a Life Rebuilt

    Send us Fan Mail"What if your health story could change the way your church lives, serves, & worships? Pastor Steve Reynolds continues with us to unpack how a hard stop on exercise, years of eating like an athlete, & a brush with serious disease turned into a faithful return to movement, a 130-pound weight loss, & a practical framework built from Scripture."Pastor Steve Reynolds is back to take us behind the scenes of “Bod4God”—the sermon series that sparked a media whirlwind, front-page coverage, & books that meet people where they are with grace, honesty, & small, doable steps. We dive into the surprising places where faith and fitness meet: studying the word “body” across the Bible, embracing stewardship over shame, & seeing Genesis as a blueprint for daily activity—tending & keeping as purposeful movement. Steve’s mantra, “delay the decay,” lands with refreshing realism. No magic hacks, just consistent habits that restore energy, reverse risk, & extend our capacity to love, serve, & create. He shares candidly about still being an “average dude” who struggles, & why that authenticity helps more than perfection ever could. We open up about our own journeys too—returning to training after mission work left us winded on stage, & a 65-pound win through First Place for Health that reignited discipline at age 60. Performance ministry is physical, & we talk about the spills, the sweat, the headsets that take a beating, & the spiritual charge of treating art as athletic worship. If you’re looking for practical tools, you’ll hear about PastorSteveReynolds.com, the Losing to Live challenges, & accessible books like Get Off the Couch that help men & women build momentum without hype. Please, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs encouragement today, & leave a review with the one habit you’ll start this week.  Pastor Steve Reynolds, Lead Pastor: Capital Baptist (website) • Capital Baptist (Facebook) • https://pastorstevereynolds.com/ Pastor Steve's Books: • Bod4God • Get Off The Couch • Taking God To Work • The Healthy Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Health and Wellness • Wise Up!Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 143: From Stage to Scripture (Part 1) - How a One-Man Play Brought Peter’s Story to Life and Stirred a Church

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when theater brings living Scripture for a room that spans toddlers to octogenarians? Today, we sit down with Pastor Steve Reynolds of Capital Baptist & find out." A boy named Zadok hands over his loaves and fish, a row of 7 kids leans forward, & a sanctuary stays rapt for two hours—this is the kind of night we live for! We invited Pastor Steve from Capitol Baptist to unpack what happened when our one-man play “PETE” met a church already gearing up to teach through Peter’s life. Pastor Steve Reynolds shares why the performance felt alive — from facial expressions that carry meaning, to pacing that keeps kids present, to music that sends adults back to the Gospels. Next, you’ll hear how “PETE” was written in less than 3 weeks after a prayerful nudge, why we joke that “AI” really means Almighty Intelligence, & how a child in the audience raised a hand to accept Jesus. Pastor Steve opens up about his own journey: saved young through a mother’s witness & a long revival, called into vocational ministry, & led to plant a church in Northern Virginia by praying over stacks of city packets. Along the way, we reflect on seasons of theater ministry, the grit of church planting, & the little production choices —light, sound, sightlines— that communicate care. The conversation widens with his recent trip to Nigeria. Joy over 4-hour worship services & bold preaching lives alongside grief over increasing persecution — reports suggest around thirty Christians are killed daily in the north. We talk honestly about the difference between scrolling past headlines & committing to pray, & we ask for more than protection: we ask for conversion, the kind that turned Saul into Paul. If you’ve been hungry to see Scripture with fresh eyes, to remember why excellence in the arts serves the church, & to let prayer shape action, this one’s for you.Pastor Steve Reynolds, Lead Pastor: Capital Baptist (website) • Capital Baptist (Facebook) • https://pastorstevereynolds.com/ Pastor Steve's Books: • Bod4God • Get Off The Couch • Taking God To Work • The Healthy Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Health and Wellness • Wise Up!Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 142: Who Shapes Whom: Church or Culture?

    Send us Fan Mail"What if the generation everyone called distracted is actually laser-focused? Today we sit down with family pastor, Marc Crabtree to trace a hopeful shift among 18–27-year-olds who are done with hype and hungry for truth."From frank conversations on sexuality, suicide, and same‑sex relationships to the thorny overlap of faith and politics, Marc shares how a young adult community can hold the line on Scripture while learning to love people with courage and care. The surprise isn’t their outrage—it’s their appetite for depth and their refusal to be patronized. That appetite is changing how they’re taught. Instead of gimmicks, Marc walks them through hermeneutics—how to read the Bible with confidence—so discernment grows and fear fades. We talk about moving from milk to solid food, why disagreement isn’t hate, and how transparency from leaders builds real trust in a post‑COVID world of media mistrust and shifting definitions. The aim isn’t to win arguments but to shape resilient disciples who can navigate culture without being shaped by it.We also step outside the classroom into the community. Marc's church, GraceWay Bible Church, converted a former 7‑Eleven into an outreach center offering ESL classes, GED prep, and a relationship‑based food pantry that prays with every guest. Even in “affluent” suburbs, many families live one emergency away from crisis. Meeting practical needs with presence opens doors for the gospel and restores the church to its historic role: caring for neighbors, strengthening families, and forming character at home rather than outsourcing it to institutions.Anchored by stories of calling and vocational joy, this conversation invites you to rethink church as both a classroom for truth and a workshop for love. Subscribe, share with a friend who cares about the next generation, and leave a review with one takeaway that challenged you—what “solid food” are YOU ready to pursue this week?Marc Crabtree - Assistant Pastor, Young Adults & Families, GraceWay Bible Church: https://gracewaybc.org/who-we-are/our-team/ Listen to Pastor Marc's Powerful Testimony (click underlined links below): Ep 106: Awakening the Soul - Embracing Redemption (Part 1)Ep 107: Awakening the Soul - Embracing Redemption (Part 2)Any of today's podcast resonate? Tell us here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, visit:https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/The Plays Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 141: Passing Faith Forward - Love Letters, Legacy, and the Healing Power of Family Communication

    Send us Fan Mail"Whether you’re a grandparent, a parent still learning to speak your heart, or a mentor to kids who see you as family, this conversation gives you tools to capture meaning in ink and pass it forward with grace."We share how simple “love letters” can carry faith, values and identity across generations, and why churches can turn this practice into a culture of healing communication. Pastor Mike Morgan, of Shiloh Baptist Church, and Louise Cole, of Family Legacy Connect, show practical ways to write, store and share letters that become mirrors and anchors for family.• love letters as a tangible family legacy• grandparents, parents and mentors as mirrors of identity• communication as healing, forgiveness and relief• stories as carriers of values and faith• church vision to “empower family” quarterly• practical rhythms for writing, saving and gifting letters• integrating Scripture and testimony without performance• honoring ancestors and documenting prayer-filled historyTo find out how to bring "Love Letters" to your church/ community or learn how to future-proof your legacy, please contact Louise Cole: • https://www.familylegacyconnect.com/contact or• [email protected] Letters: https://www.familylegacyconnect.com/lovelettersFamily Legacy Connect: https://www.familylegacyconnect.com/Plays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you?Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 140: Walking Worthy - How Your Life Should Balance With Your Faith

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever wondered if your faith journey has produced visible evidence of transformation? Would there be enough evidence to "convict" you of being a Christian if your life was put on trial? We will explore this today!"Pastor Teddy, a.k.a. Fred D. Kenney, Jr., explores the concept of authentic faith and what it means to "walk worthy" of our calling as Christians. Drawing from personal experiences and Scripture, he challenges listeners to examine whether their lives show evidence of spiritual transformation or merely religious formality.• Upcoming "harvest tour" with performances scheduled throughout the Northeast including Virginia, DC area, New York and New Jersey• Story of how Reverend Mike Morgan from Shiloh Baptist Church provided spiritual guidance about fasting at a crucial time• Announcement of Louise Cole's presentation on family stewardship at Shiloh Baptist Church• Exploration of Ephesians' teaching on walking worthily of our calling in Christ• Discussion about how many people claim Christianity without showing evidence of transformation• Examination of what it means to be God's "workmanship" (poíēma; ποίημα; poy'-ay-mah) and how our lives should reflect His ongoing workThe Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. ~ Numbers 6:24-26Event at Shiloh Baptist Church, Manasquan, NJPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you?Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 139: Prayer Warriors - Riding the Wave of Intercession

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when you ditch your phone and truly focus on prayer? Today, we look at the transformative power of undistracted communion with God in this compelling episode of Plays on Word Radio."Pastor Teddy shares about the upcoming Genesis 'JOE' play tour in the Northeast & reflects on the power of prayer as the foundation for effective ministry. He emphasizes the importance of focused, intentional prayer without distractions, comparing it to meeting with someone of great importance.• Genesis 'JOE' tour coming to the Northeast US in October including New York, New Jersey, & Virginia/DC area• Prayer is essential for ministry — riding "a wave of prayer" versus ministering in your own strength• Avoid bringing your phone into prayer time — prevents distractions & maintains focus• Pray both defensively (asking for help) & offensively (interceding for others)• Scripture instructs us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)• Peter's miraculous prison escape in Acts 12 demonstrates the power of corporate prayer• Speaking prayers aloud puts them "on record" with God & against enemy schemesWe have another tour coming up, so please pray that the Lord would go before us & that people would come to know Christ through our ministry. If you'd like to learn more about Plays on Word Theater or see our upcoming schedule, visit playsonword.org. Check back often for our new website coming soon! We'll be performing Genesis 'JOE' in October, along with 2 other special shows, & 'CHRISTMAS JOE' performances already booking up for the holiday season! To Help support upcoming tours financially, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you?Let us know here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio & Plays On Word Theater, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays on Word Theater team is always setting up new performance dates! If you want us to visit your church/venue/community, please reach out with your inquiries here: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-form (This Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 138: Finding Peace Beyond Panic - Plays On Word Update (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"Last week we shared our white-knuckling adventures down the mountain road that kicked off our North East tour. Today we continue the adventure debrief of that tour!" Teddy and Katie share their recent ministry tour experiences across North Carolina, New Jersey, and New York, highlighting how God protected them during a harrowing mountain drive and opened doors for ministry at multiple churches.• Surviving a treacherous mountain drive, with no guardrails, that tested their faith• Visiting Quaker Street Bible Church in Delanson, NY, where they performed the 'PETE' Play• Connecting with Pastor Geoffrey Ekstein at Bethlehem Community Church and experiencing a warm reception• Performing on the Ocean Grove Pavilion boardwalk despite challenges of an outdoor venue• Reflecting on the importance of giving invitations during performances, inspired by D.L. Moody• Celebrating special moments like when a boy named Andrew participated in the feeding of the 5,000 scene• Reuniting with original Plays on Word team members and longtime supporters across multiple venues• Experiencing God's faithfulness in bringing people to decision for Christ at almost every performanceQuaker Street Bible Church: https://www.facebook.com/p/Quaker-Street-Bible-Church-100064469751520/Bethlehem Community Church: https://bccdelmar.org/ Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association: https://www.oceangrove.org/Trinity Tabernacle of Gravesend: http://www.trinitytab.com/Brick Presbyterian Church: https://brickpresby.com/Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County: https://www.facebook.com/CCMCNJ.org'PETE' @ Trinity 08/15/25: https://www.youtube.com/live/CQwiEmzsEKs?t=969The French Market: https://www.thefrenchmarketnj.com/We have another tour coming up, so we need you to be in prayer about it. If you want to get a personal update and/or would like to get our newsletter with photos from this tour, reach out to Katie through the links below. If you'd like to learn more about Plays on Word Theater or see our upcoming schedule, visit playsonword.org. We have Genesis 'JOE' performances coming in October and 'CHRISTMAS JOE' performances already booking up for the holiday season! Plays On Word Newsletter Sign Up - https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-up To Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 137: Finding Peace Beyond Panic - Plays On Word Update (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever faced a situation so terrifying that it woke you from sleep in a cold sweat? That's exactly what happened to Pastor Teddy on our recent ministry tour."Fred and Katie Kenney share a powerful testimony of God's peace during a harrowing mountain descent in North Carolina, where they experienced the real-world application of Philippians 4:6-7 in the face of genuine fear.• Embarking on a Northeast tour with Plays on Word Theater• Performing at Mountain Top Youth Camp in Pinnacle, NC• Navigating a treacherous single-lane mountain road with a heavy trailer• Experiencing overwhelming anxiety when faced with descending the steep mountain in rain• Reaching out to church members for specific prayer• Making the conscious choice to stand on God's Word despite fear• Feeling supernatural peace and even physical "downward pressure" during the descent• Learning the difference between believing in God versus believing God• Understanding that God's promises aren't academic but practical for real-life situations• Recognizing that anxiety is conquered through prayer and petitionIf you'd like to learn more about Plays on Word Theater or see our upcoming schedule, visit playsonword.org. We have Genesis 'JOE' performances coming in October and 'CHRISTMAS JOE' performances already booking up for the holiday season!Pilot Knob Inn Bed & Breakfast - https://www.pilotknobinn.com/Mountain Top Youth Camp - https://www.mountaintopyouthcamp.org/Faith Over Anxiety Down Mountain Video - https://youtu.be/QLg6EohVn9IPlays On Word Newsletter Sign Up - https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/newsletter-sign-upTo find out more about our program and access additional resources, visit our website at https://playsonword.org/calendar.html. Check back often for our new website design coming soon! To support this and upcoming tours financially, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up nePlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 136: From Brooklyn to Eternity - A Journey of Healing

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when personal tragedy and transformation become the foundation for authentic ministry? James and Melissa Pinto's story answers this question with raw honesty and profound hope."James and Melissa Pinto, of Trinity Tabernacle of Gravesend, Brooklyn, share their powerful testimonies of finding faith through personal tragedy and transformation. Their journey from congregants to church leaders reveals how God uses our darkest moments to prepare us for ministry and outreach.• Melissa found faith at age 13 after losing her mother to illness, learning that "ultimate healing is heaven"• James was saved in 1995 after witnessing his father's dramatic transformation from drug addiction through Christ• The Pintos balance ministry and family life with eight children at home, emphasizing family as their primary ministry• They prioritize rest and self-care through implementing lessons from the Thrive Leadership Foundation Retreat for Pastors• Trinity Tabernacle celebrates 100 years of ministry, beginning as the first Italian Pentecostal church in Brooklyn• Current focus includes community outreach and potential church planting in neighboring communitiesPlease pray for Trinity Tabernacle's upcoming outreach on September 6th at Lady Moody Triangle and their vision to plant a new church in a neighboring community.Trinity Tabernacle of Gravesend Website: http://www.trinitytab.com/Trinity's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityTabernacleOfGravesend/Trinity's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinitytabernacle7584Scripture Bakery (Melissa's Bakery! - Check her out online/ DM to order):  https://www.instagram.com/scripture_bakery/?igsh=YXRtOW5mZ2h2ZHpm#'PETE' @ Trinity 08/15/25: https://www.youtube.com/live/CQwiEmzsEKs?t=969sIn Ministry full time and need some restoration? Contact Thrive Leadership Foundation: https://thrivelead.org/about/Attend a Retreat: https://thrivelead.org/attend-a-retreat/To find out more about our program and access additional resources, visit our website at https://playsonword.org/calendar.html. Check back often for our new website design coming soon! To support this and upcoming tours financially, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodDoes any Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 135: From Synagogue to Sanctuary - One Man's Search for God (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when God uses a series of personal crises to redirect your path and purpose? Pastor Geoffrey Eckstein's continuing powerful testimony reveals just how God did it in his life."Pastor Geoffrey Eckstein shares his transformative journey from pursuing business success to embracing God's call to ministry through a series of personal crises that led to complete surrender.• The reward for obedience is deeper obedience - God gives us more opportunities to be faithful when we first respond to His call• God is the only contractor who uses broken tools - our weaknesses showcase His power and glory• Small deviations (just one degree off) in our spiritual direction can lead us drastically off course• Trials often bring us to the end of ourselves so we learn to trust God completely• During difficult times, keep your eyes on the Shepherd rather than obsessing over the enemy's schemes• The world doesn't need Christians to be mirrors of culture but lights in darkness• Exegetical preaching through entire books ensures teaching the whole counsel of GodVisit Bethlehem Community Church near Albany, NY or connect with Pastor Geoffrey Eckstein through the links in our show notes.Pastor Geoff's email: [email protected] Community Church: https://bccdelmar.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCCdelmar/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bccdelmarTo find out more about our program and access additional resources, visit our website at https://playsonword.org/calendar.html. Check back often for our new website design coming soon! To support this and upcoming tours financially, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 134: From Synagogue to Sanctuary - One Man's Search for God (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when childhood questions about God remain unanswered despite years of religious education? Today, we will explore Pastor Geoffrey Ekstein's remarkable journey from Judaism to Christianity, which captured the essence of authentic spiritual seeking and the courage required to embrace truth regardless of the cost."Growing up in a devoutly Jewish home where his identity was firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, Geoff found himself fascinated by biblical figures who had personal relationships with God. "David made God smile," he recalls thinking as a child, which prompted his persistent question: "How do I have that kind of relationship?" Despite consulting rabbis and participating faithfully in Jewish traditions, the answer remained frustratingly elusive.The turning point came unexpectedly through fatherhood. When Geoff and his non-Jewish wife welcomed their daughter, the weight of responsibility awakened his dormant spiritual questions. On his first Father's Day, seeking affirmation of his new parental role, he instead discovered "how great a father our heavenly Father is" through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The revelation that Jesus was Jewish—not Catholic as he had assumed—opened his eyes to see Christ as the fulfillment of everything he had been searching for.The most powerful moment in this testimony occurs when Geoff's father directly confronts him: "Are you a Christian?" Standing in that driveway, with Jesus's words about denial echoing in his mind, Geoff faced what he calls his "crucible moment"—choosing faith over fear with a simple "yes." This honest confession, while initially creating tension, ultimately led to deeper family relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.Geoff's story brilliantly illuminates the purpose behind Jewish identity: "We were chosen to be the mechanism through whom the Messiah would come." His journey from synagogue to sanctuary demonstrates that sometimes our longest-held questions find their answers in unexpected places, and that standing firm in our convictions, despite potential rejection, opens the door to authentic relationship with both God and others.If you've ever wrestled with questions about faith, identity, or family expectations, this testimony will resonate deeply. Share this episode with someone seeking answers to their own spiritual questions.Pastor Geoff's email: [email protected] Bethlehem Community Church: https://bccdelmar.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCCdelmar/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bccdelmarPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 133: Exploring Scripture Through Play and Analysis

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever thought about the phrase –“Words have power”? The right words, arranged in the right way, can transform our understanding of ancient texts and bring fresh insight to timeless truths. That's exactly what we explore on Plays on Word Radio."We welcome listeners to Plays on Word Radio where we analyze and play with the Word of God through thoughtful discussion and biblical exploration.• Introduction to our program focused on exploring scriptural language and meaning• Discussion of how wordplay enhances our understanding of biblical texts• Examination of repetition as a powerful literary device in scripture• Invitation to join our community of biblical word enthusiasts• Brief musical interlude featuring the phrase "You're the only Name"To find out more about our program and access additional resources, visit our website at https://playsonword.org/calendar.html. Check back often for our new website design coming soon! To support this and upcoming tours financially, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgoodDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 132: Every Performance Is a New Opportunity to Share God's Word

    Send us Fan Mail"Ever wondered how God's Word can break through barriers when presented in unexpected ways? Today, Pastor Teddy shares how Plays on Word Theater uses Scripture-based plays to reach hearts, urging prayer, support, and invitations for our transformative East Coast tour."Pastor Teddy shares exciting updates about the Plays on Word Theater ministry and their upcoming East Coast tour, emphasizing how theatrical presentations of Scripture continue to transform lives.• Plays on Word Theater brings the Gospel to diverse venues including schools, prisons, churches, and even coffee shops• Recent encounter with a previous audience member at Jersey Mike's confirms the lasting impact of their performances• Upcoming East Coast tour includes multiple performances of the 'PETE' Play throughout New York and New Jersey in August• Passionate plea for prayer support for the entire tour, especially for the outdoor Ocean Grove Boardwalk performance: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/events/88239-25-pete-08-10-4pm-sun-show-1-man-biblical-play-ocean-grove-boardwalk-pavilion-nj• Challenge to believers to invite people who need to hear the Gospel in a fresh way• Comparison between repeatedly experiencing biblical plays and re-reading Scripture or eating daily meals• Personal testimonies of seeing people make professions of faith through theatrical ministry• Reminder that true salvation isn't about simply "saying a prayer" but about genuine heart transformationPlease support the upcoming East Coast tour through prayer. Check https://playsonword.org/calendar.html for tour dates and details, and consider who you might invite to experience the Word of God in this unique way. To help financially with the upcoming tours, please click here: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/Crossroads Gathering Place: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089010535449Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 131: Babylon Rising - Daniel's Journey Through Ancient Empires

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever tried to understand Daniel's role in God's larger plan? Today’s episode examines how Daniel’s story connects to Hezekiah, Babylonian stargazers, and the Magi — showing Scripture as one unified, Christ-centered narrative across centuries."Pastor Teddy, a.k.a Fred Kenney, Jr., explores the fascinating historical context surrounding the Book of Daniel, connecting biblical events spanning hundreds of years through the mysterious Babylonian stargazers who became aware of divine signs in the heavens. This is an exciting further look into what will be the backdrop to Plays On Word's latest play, 'DAN' set for release soon.• Historical overview of the Babylonian Empire's rise to power in 605 BC• Exploration of King Hezekiah's miraculous healing and the sun moving backward as a sign• Connection between Babylonian envoys who visited Hezekiah and the Magi who later sought Jesus• Daniel's capture as a young nobleman in the first wave of Babylonian captives• Description of Babylon's impressive architecture and cultural impact on the young captives• Timeline of Jerusalem's three sieges (605 BC, 598 BC, and 586 BC)• Biblical interconnections showing how Scripture points to Christ throughout historyThe Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. ~ Numbers 6: 24-26Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 130: The Power of Audio Scripture Transforms Faith and Fuels Storytelling (Part 3)

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when faith collides with earthly power? The stories of Daniel reveal a pattern of divine deliverance that speaks directly to anyone facing opposition for their beliefs. In today's world, we NEED unwavering faith."Pastor Teddy, a.k.a. Fred Kenney, Jr., explores Daniel chapters 5-6, examining the themes of deliverance, faithfulness, and God's sovereignty throughout the Bible story. This continuation of his behind-the-scenes look at Plays on Word's upcoming Daniel production reveals how these ancient texts remain relevant today.• Reading of Daniel chapter 5, featuring Belshazzar's feast and the handwriting on the wall• Reading of Daniel chapter 6, telling the story of Daniel in the lions' den• Discussion of the overarching theme of divine deliverance throughout the book• Exploration of how Daniel and his friends stood firm against cultural pressure• Brief historical context about the Babylonian exile and subsequent Persian rule• Timeline references from Josiah through the close of the Old Testament• Mention of Jeremiah's prophecies running parallel to Daniel's experiences• Explanation of how Daniel's prophecies included future world empiresWe'll continue exploring Daniel next week, diving even deeper into these powerful themes of deliverance and faith under pressure. If you'd like a PDF timeline of these historical events, email or text us and we'll send it to you.Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 129: The Power of Audio Scripture Transforms Faith and Fuels Storytelling (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever stood firm in faith when the whole world demands you bow down — that's the powerful message at the heart of this week's deep dive into the Book of Daniel. Today, we journey through chapters 3 and 4, witnessing extraordinary demonstrations of faith and divine power."Pastor Teddy, a.k.a., Fred Kenney, Jr., continues his exploration of the Book of Daniel, focusing on chapters 3 and 4 which detail the fiery furnace experience and Nebuchadnezzar's humbling transformation.• Working on creating a historically accurate throne prop for the upcoming 'DAN' play• The throne will feature the Babylonian lion with wings, made in blue with Babylonian-Persian styling• Reading of Daniel chapter 3 explores the story of the golden image and the fiery furnace• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to the golden image despite threats• God protects them in the fire by sending a fourth figure "like a son of the gods"• Reading of Daniel chapter 4 covers Nebuchadnezzar's dream, madness, and restoration• Nebuchadnezzar's testimony shows his transformation from pride to acknowledging God's sovereignty• God doesn't prevent trials but meets us in them – demonstrated when Christ joined the three men in the fire• The faithful testimony of these young men ultimately influenced the pagan king• We're called to trust God even in difficult circumstances, as He's worthy of our trustThe Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. ~ Numbers 6: 24-26Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 128: The Power of Audio Scripture Transforms Faith and Fuels Storytelling (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever wondered how some performers memorize large parts of the Bible? Today, Pastor Teddy pulls back the curtain on his unique scripture memorization process and spiritual practice that transformed his faith and ministry."The journey begins with a confession - Pastor Teddy, a.k.a. Fred Kenney, Jr., didn't read through the entire Bible until his early thirties. When he finally attempted it, he found himself completely lost in the complex prophetic books like Ezekiel. That's when divine intervention led him to discover audio Bible recordings, creating a breakthrough in his comprehension. By engaging scripture through both reading and listening simultaneously, passages that once seemed impenetrable suddenly began making sense.Pastor Teddy shares how this discovery evolved into a life-changing habit - listening to scripture constantly during daily activities, sleeping with Bible recordings playing through the night, and eventually creating his own audio versions. "I went through the entire Bible in the month of January," he reveals, describing how this immersive approach welded biblical narratives into his mind and heart. This practice became the foundation for his theatrical ministry, enabling him to perform extensive biblical stories from memory.The highlight comes when Pastor Teddy shares a sample of his preparation for an upcoming Daniel play - a first-person narration as if Daniel himself were telling his story from inside the lions' den. This innovative approach brings scripture to vivid life, offering listeners a fresh perspective on familiar texts and demonstrating how creative engagement with God's Word can deepen understanding.Whether you're struggling to comprehend difficult biblical passages, looking to strengthen your scripture memory, or simply seeking a fresh approach to engaging with ancient texts, this episode offers practical insights that will transform your relationship with the Bible. Listen now and discover how hearing God's Word might open spiritual doorways that reading alone cannot reach.Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 127: From Voodoo to Worship - One Man's Journey to Faith (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail"Pastor Teddy explores hope through David’s Psalms and highlights Pastor Bastia’s resilient ministry in crisis-stricken Haiti using Scripture and solar radios. How can YOU hold on to hope and share it with others when your surroundings feel overwhelmingly dark, like those in Haiti?"Pastor Teddy, a.k.a. Fred Kenney, Jr. explores how Scripture offers hope in our darkest moments, featuring the continuation of Pastor Bastia's testimony about ministry in Haiti amid growing gang violence.• Scripture provides encouragement through stories of faithful people who experienced hardship• Psalm 42 and Psalm 30 demonstrate how David moved from despair to hope in God• Pastor Bastia returned to Haiti in 2005 after Bible training to teach Scripture verse-by-verse• Gang violence has overtaken entire towns in Haiti, forcing people from homes and shutting down churches• Christian radio stations provide spiritual support to displaced Haitians through solar-powered radios• Support organizations like Step of Faith serve as crucial "supply chains" for frontline missionaries• Prayer is needed for Haiti to experience stability and for missionaries to maintain focus despite dangerPlease send this to someone who needs encouragement or to hear something about the Lord today.The School of Grace at Calvary Chapel Caneille: https://www.caneille.org/Interested in more information about the mission at CC Caneille? Please contact Calvary Chapel Waupaca at https://calvarychapelwaupaca.org/Step of Faith Ministry: https://stepoffaithministry.org/Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:https://playsonword.networkforgoodThe Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-formPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 126: From Voodoo to Worship - One Man's Journey to Faith (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail"What happens when God marks you for ministry before you can even walk? Meet Bastia, whose extraordinary spiritual journey begins with a divine appointment when a stranger arrives at his parents' home in Haiti with a message: "God wants that little boy." Though born into a family steeped in voodoo practices, this moment sparked a transformation that would eventually lead his entire family to faith.Bastia's testimony weaves through Haiti's complex spiritual landscape, where voodoo remains deeply entrenched even among churchgoers. "Almost all of the Catholic are involved in voodoo," he explains, describing it as "a religion where people worship the devil and do any kind of bad things." This spiritual stronghold, which many Haitians credit for their independence, stands in stark contrast to Psalm 33:12: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."Though active in church music ministry from a young age, Bastia admits he was more performer than worshipper until a profound moment of conviction. While leading an a cappella group he'd formed, he heard a voice warn: "Bastia, you may send so many people to heaven and you, you won't go." That divine intervention led to his genuine surrender to Christ and complete transformation.The cultural contrast between Haiti and America forms another fascinating thread in Bastia's story. His move to Wisconsin after marrying an American missionary left him speechless with culture shock. From seeing police dogs to experiencing his first buffet ("I almost killed myself!"), his humor and insight bring to life the jarring transition from a place without electricity or running water to American abundance. Yet rather than growing comfortable, this exposure to plenty only strengthened his resolve to return to Haiti after Bible college, bringing hope to communities still struggling with extreme poverty and now, increasing gang violence.Listen as Bastia shares how God's call on his life has come full circle, from that first prayer over an infant to his current ministry in Haiti's central plateau. His journey reminds us that God's plans transcend circumstances, cultures, and even our own understanding of our purpose.The School of Grace at Calvary Chapel Caneille: https://www.caneille.org/Interested in more information about the mission at CC Caneille? Please contact Calvary Chapel Waupaca at https://calvarychapelwaupaca.org/Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviewsTo Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visitPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 125: Finding Peace in a Chaotic World

    Send us Fan Mail"Today, Plays On Word Radio urges believers to reject media-driven anxiety and embrace Philippians 4:6–7, finding unshakable peace in God's presence amid today’s chaos. How can you practically apply Philippians 4:6–7 when overwhelmed by constant negative news and global tragedies?"Finding genuine peace feels nearly impossible in today's world of endless negative news cycles, political division, and global tragedies. But as Pastor Teddy (Fred David Kenney Jr.) reminds us in this powerful episode, we have access to a peace that transcends understanding.Pastor Teddy opens with a candid confession about purposefully disconnecting from cable news after recognizing its harmful effects on his spiritual well-being. "If you think news is really to inform you, I have a bridge to sell you," he states bluntly. All mainstream media outlets, regardless of political leaning, prioritize revenue over truth-telling, profiting from keeping audiences emotionally charged and divided. This environment makes it increasingly difficult for believers to maintain their Christian character in response to world events.The heart of this episode centers on Philippians 4:6-7, where we find the divine antidote to anxiety: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Pastor Teddy breaks down the progression from receiving God's grace to experiencing peace with God, and finally to being filled with the peace of God that guards our hearts regardless of circumstances.Between reflections on recent tragedies like riots in LA and a plane crash in India, Pastor Teddy shares exciting updates about Plays on Word Theater's upcoming East Coast Tour and their plans to resume work on their "DAN" play. The ministry's commitment to freely sharing God's Word stands as a powerful contrast to the profit-driven media landscape.Whether you're struggling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by current events, or simply seeking deeper spiritual peace, this episode offers biblical wisdom that speaks directly to our modern challenges. Plays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 124: Faith Under Rubble - A Missionary's Journey

    Send us Fan Mail"Brian McDaniel's journey from prison to Haiti reveals God's transformative power, miraculous encounters, and how prayer can shape divine rescue and purpose. How might your prayers today become part of someone else's miracle tomorrow?"The power of God's Word to transform lives takes center stage as Pastor Teddy, a.k.a Pastor Fred Kenney, Jr., interviews missionary Brian McDaniel about his extraordinary journey from a jail cell to the dangerous streets of Haiti.Brian's testimony begins with a simple act—a fellow inmate handing him a Bible with the promise that knowing its God could solve his problems. What followed was a spiritual rebirth as Brian devoured Scripture, becoming "the happiest guy in jail" despite facing felony charges. This radical transformation led him through seven years of Bible study at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and eventually into missionary work that would change countless lives.The conversation takes a stunning turn when Brian shares how he met his wife Sophia in Haiti. Her survival story from the 2010 earthquake leaves both men speechless — trapped under a collapsed church with rebar through her body, she was miraculously rescued after hours of digging. In a divine revelation during the interview, Pastor Teddy realizes his specific prayers about rescuers finding earthquake victims might have played a direct role in her survival.After a year of paralysis followed by miraculous healing, Sophia's path crossed with Brian's at a local bakery — a divine appointment orchestrated through seemingly impossible circumstances. Their story exemplifies how God weaves together human lives through prayer and providence.Today, Brian and Sophia serve in Haiti amid extreme danger, with 90% of Port-au-Prince controlled by violent gangs. Yet remarkably, their Bible Training Center sits in the only area of the capital that remains safe — so safe that the Supreme Court relocated next to it. As gangs prepare to invade their area, Brian requests not money, but prayer artillery: "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard."This episode is a powerful reminder that God is still writing the book of Acts through ordinary believers who dare to follow Him into dark places. How might your prayers become part of someone else's miracle story? Join our community at playsonword.org and discover the difference your faith can make. How Can WE Pray for YOU? Tell Us!Cross To Light Ministry - https://crosstolight.com | Brian and Sophia McDanielMinistry Continues in Haiti Despite Rising Gang Violence -https://calvarychapelmagazine.org/articles/cross-to-light-in-haitiPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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    Ep 123: The 1040 Window - Reaching the Unreached

    Send us Fan Mail"Have you ever thought that prayer is insignificant? Well, today we look at Pastor Tony Reyes' journey from salvation to training 5,000 church planters, which reveals a prayer-driven ministry impacting Southeast Asia's unreached regions."From a tearful decision in a Chinese restaurant to training thousands of church planters across Southeast Asia, Pastor Tony Reyes' journey showcases how God crafts extraordinary ministries from humble beginnings.Tony's transformation began in 1981 when a college classmate invited him to a Christian service held in an unlikely venue. Coming from a Catholic background, nothing prepared him for what happened during his second visit when conviction brought him to tears: "I knew I was going to hell." This moment of clarity led to his salvation and set him on a path toward full-time ministry after graduating college in 1984.Fast-forward to 2016, when Tony and his wife made the radical decision to leave their established life in New Jersey—selling their home, leaving their jobs and four children behind—to return to the Philippines. Armed with what he calls "the multiplication principle" from 2 Timothy 2:2, Tony began developing land and establishing what would become Calvary Chapel Tagaytay City. Seven years later, his ministry has trained over 5,000 church planters and helped establish nearly 300 churches, with Calvary Bible Institute serving as a strategic hub for reaching the "1040 window"—regions containing the world's most unreached people groups.What's most striking about Tony's testimony isn't just the impressive numbers, but his unwavering focus on prayer as the foundation of ministry effectiveness. "The artillery of prayer," as he describes it, remains his greatest need—specifically prayers for students from Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Singapore to receive training and return to plant churches in their home countries. His vision extends far beyond personal achievement to equipping indigenous leaders who can reach places where many have never heard Jesus' name.Ready to join this global movement through prayer? Connect with Tony's prayer team and become part of the spiritual artillery supporting this powerful work of multiplication across Southeast Asia.CBI Luzon - https://calvarybibleinstituteluzon.org/Calvary Chapel Tagaytay City - calvarychapeltagaytaycity.wordpress.comCCTC YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@calvarychapeltagaytaycityDoes any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/foPlays On Word website Plays On Word YouTubePlays On Word FacebookPlays On Word InstagramEmail us: [email protected]

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

An in-depth look at the Word of God, the Plays On Word community, and the Plays - with original music - we perform, that are based on the Word of God. New episodes drop Fridays at 7AM EST! To find out how Plays On Word Theater can perform 'LIVE on YOUR STAGE' and to support this missionary & podcast visit: https://playsonword.org/

HOSTED BY

Pastor/ Artist Fred Kenney Jr.

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