S05E01 - 12-Year-Old Hero

Last week, Abe Anaya told us where he'd been: a broken home, addiction, and a prison cell. This week, he tells us where God took him.  In the conclusion of this two-part Godly Goosebumps conversation, Pastor Dudley Rutherford and Abe pick up where they left off. What changed after the moment of faith? And what does he say to the person listening right now who thinks their past has already disqualified them?

A hard past. A life-changing faith. A future rewritten. In Part 1 of this two-part Godly Goosebumps series, Abe Anaya tells Pastor Dudley Rutherford how God’s grace carried him through addiction and prison—and opened the door to a new life. Watch his story of hope and redemption.

A spider’s web may seem fragile—but in God’s hands, it became a fortress. Join Pastor Dudley Rutherford on Godly Goosebumps as he shares Frederick Nolan’s extraordinary escape and a powerful lesson about trusting God when the odds are against you.

Have you ever been around others who were dismissive of or even hostile toward your faith? Pastor Dudley shares the story of a young man who encountered a stubborn, unbelieving professor who smugly declared to a group of impressionable college freshmen that Jesus was not the Son of God. You'll hear how this student boldly stood up for Jesus, unknowingly planting seeds of faith in the heart of his instructor—seeds that he'd later discover miraculously took root. You'll be inspired to cling to your faith even in the face of opposition, trusting that Jesus will one day make Himself known.

There are few experiences as painful as the loss of a loved one. On this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley reads a moving letter from a woman who faced unimaginable heartache when her nearly 7-month-old baby boy passed away. Her words, intended to encourage Pastor Dudley during his personal season of loss, are a display of profound faith in grief—and the reminder that there is hope, even in death, because Jesus conquered the grave.

Have you ever begged God for relief during a difficult or painful season? On this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares a sermon illustration about a beautiful talking teacup that was formed and refined through hardship. You’ll be strengthened with the reminder that the Lord authors and perfects our faith, often through our greatest moments of discomfort.

Have you felt like giving up on God after a difficult or painful season of life? In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares the story of a woman who was deeply shaken by divorce and the sense that God had failed her. While her faith was eventually restored, it was soon challenged once more—this time, by cancer. Join in to hear how God offered her the loving, unexpected reminder that we all need—no matter what we face in our lives, He sees us and is with us.

Have you ever felt that your heart was too broken or that your past was too messy for God to still love you? If so, this episode of Goldy Goosebumps is for you. Pastor Dudley shares the incredible testimony of a former adult film star whose life was totally transformed the day she walked into Shepherd Church and heard a message that seemed to be written just for her. Listen in, and be encouraged with the truth that no matter where you are or what you've done, God has not forgotten about you!

Are you in a difficult situation and in need of the reminder that God is good—and always at work? If so, don't miss Pastor Dudley kicking off season five of Godly Goosebumps with this powerful story about an unlikely hero: a 12-year-old boy who discovered a classmate was in imminent danger due to an unseen battle with suicidal ideation. This true story of remarkable courage and compassion offers wonderful hope—even in unimaginable circumstances, the Lord is at work!

Do you ever question whether God is really working on your behalf? Join in for this episode of Godly Goosebumps as Pastor Dudley interviews special guest Pastor Ricky Jenkins. Through moving personal stories, Pastor Ricky shares how his life and ministry have been used by God to help mend the racial divide in this country—from his family’s experience with forced integration in the Deep South to his call to build a multiracial, multigenerational church. His powerful testimony offers you a hope-filled message: God loves you and has been preparing a way for you since before you were even born.