Compelled - Christian Stories & Testimonies

Laddie Calloway was a street fighter and drug dealer. After being declared a fatality from a gang shooting, Laddie's life continued to spiral out of control… until he remembered the seeds of faith that had been planted by his childhood church. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/laddie-calloway ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Afshin Javid grew up in Iran under strict Islamic law. He loved Allah and was willing to kill and die for him. But after a supernatural encounter, the foundations of Afshin’s faith began to crumble. Listen to Part 2 of Afshin Javid’s testimony: https://www.storypartners.org/podcast/s3-e1p2-killing-in-the-name-of-god-former-hezbollah-member-meets-jesus-part-2 Listen to the Story Partners podcast: https://www.storypartners.org/podcast Learn more about the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 2 of Lori Apon’s story. Make sure to listen to Part 1 first. Lori met Bobby Apon, the love of her life at a Christian concert. He was one of the founding members of NewSong, an upcoming Christian music group. Bobby was young, charismatic, and good-looking, and quickly swept Lori off her feet. After a romance and engagement that seemed straight out of a fairytale, they were married. But at the wedding altar, both Lori and Bobby were in bondage to sin. Lori carried an eating disorder, stemming from her desire to be in control. And Bobby was addicted to lust and pornography. Both of them loved Jesus and wanted to be free... but it was a struggle for both of them... especially for Bobby, who was always on the road with NewSong, performing Christian concerts. No one in the band knew what he was going through, and not a soul in their audiences listening every night were aware of Bobby's inner turmoil that haunted him. But as Lori would discover, as painful and devastating the consequences of sin may be, even greater is the power of God to restore the lost and redeem what was broken. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/lori-apon-part-2 Important: If you struggle with suicidal thoughts then call the suicide hotline at 988. ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during checkout. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lori Apon met the love of her life at a Christian concert. Bobby Apon was a young, dashing man who sang songs for God's glory. He was a founding member of the Christian music group, NewSong, and he swept Lori off her feet. But at the wedding altar, both of them were in bondage to sin. What, or Who, could set them free? Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/lori-apon-part-1 ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during checkout. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Husband grew up in California during the 50s and 60s. And he'd heard about Jesus... but he also heard about flying saucers and ancient civilizations. What was the truth? And would this truth have any bearing when he was invited to draw moving pictures for a random children's company called... Disney? Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/ron-husband ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Recent shout-outs for Compelled: https://podcast.feedspot.com/testimony_podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/christian_testimony_podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/gripping_podcasts https://www.bestpodcasts.co.uk/best-christian-podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Matamoros grew up as a Jehovah's Witness with a distorted view of God. But through a crumbling marriage and heartbreaking loss, he would encounter the true God of the Bible, who promised to always be by Steven's side... even in the darkest of times. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/steven-matamoros 🎧 Recommended Episodes: #89 Finding My Father - Peter Davidson: Peter was exposed to cultural Christianity while growing up, but it never meant much. He lost his parents as a child and his future prospects appeared bleak, until God came looking for him and revealed to Peter who his “True Father” was. https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/peter-davidson #73 A Love Story - Frank & Annette Loria: Frank was a self-righteous "good guy" who thought he could earn God's favor by following the rules. Annette, on the other hand, barely stopped to think if God had rules at all, and instead indulged in whatever she felt like. Both of them had defined God to be whoever they thought He was… but they’d soon find out that He was entirely different. https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/frank-annette-loria #59 My Marriage Was Crumbling - Barbara Mula: Barbara’s life growing up was chaotic at best and scarred with abuse. To protect herself, Barbara put up emotional walls and developed a tough personality. But when her marriage began crumbling, she realized those walls would never hold up. If everything she thought to be true was false, how would she ever find a firm foundation? https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/barbara-mula 🔗 Helpful Links: Lakeview Christian Center: This is the same church where Steven and all the podcast guests mentioned above attend in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you’re ever passing through, they would love to have you visit! https://lakeviewchristiancenter.com/ ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrate what God did in 2024. Hear Compelled's vision for 2025. What God allowed us to do in 2024: Released 20 original Compelled stories! Launched the Proclaim Podast Network to highlight other immersive storytelling podcasts in the Christian space. Listen to the other shows at Proclaim.fm Compelled was downloaded 834,025 in 2024! Our vision for 2025: We just recorded 20 new testimonies in January. We’ll be releasing those this year and next. We’re going to continue cultivating and growing the Proclaim Podcast Network. We’re launching our weekly radio show on American Family Radio this coming Sunday, Feb. 2nd, at 2pm CT! 170 stations, 34 states, 500,000 listeners. Find station listings at afr.net We’re launching Season 9 of Compelled the following day on Monday, Feb. 3rd! We’re launching our “TOP SECRET PROJECT” later this summer. (suspense, suspense!) We've raised 75% of our 2025 Goal, with $15,000 remaining. If you'd like to donate towards our episodes for 2025 then visit compelledpodcast.com/donate 3 ways to be involved Pray God would bring us the right sponsors for the podcast and especially radio. We need the radio sponsor in order to stay on the radio. Join our Compelled Insider email list for the behind-the-scenes news... such as the “TOP SECRET PROJECT” we’re releasing later this summer. Send us your 5-10 minute testimony! We might feature it on Compelled! (email us to get the instructions) Show notes: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/bts-state-of-compelled-2025 ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Become a monthly donor and listen to episodes 1 week early: https://compelledpodcast.com/support-us Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before he was ever involved with Living Waters, Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne was a rising gang member with a burgeoning future as a drug dealer and rapper. But one day, he was invited to an event that would change the course of his life. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/emeal-zwayne (and also hear the special clip of Emeal rapping and sharing the story about his dad's shocking age!) ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teri Hrabovsky grew up caught between Catholicism and cultural occultic practices. But after the enemy tried everything to destroy her, God allowed Teri’s life to become a story of healing and redemption, touching countless lives in ways she never knew possible. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/teri-hrabovsky ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Davidson was exposed to cultural Christianity while growing up, but it never meant much. He lost his parents as a child and his future prospects appeared bleak, until God came looking for him and revealed to Peter who his “True Father” was. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/peter-davidson ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica experienced the weight of family challenges from an early age and with limited outlets for her emotions she started down a path of self-harm and thoughts about suicide. But God saw Jessica in the midst of her struggle and was eager to meet her in her time of need. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/jessica-carpenter ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1960s, Tom Tarrants was a young man on a mission - to save America from Communism, Marxism, and desegregation. He was prepared to do anything, including joining the Ku Klux Klan, drive-by shootings, or even dying for his cause. Yet God had a far greater plan for this would-be revolutionary. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/tom-tarrants ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Lynn grew up inspired by missionaries like George Mueller. But, as an adult, he was blindsided by a painful divorce and became a single dad. After struggling with self-pity and anger, Brian realized that God had called him to live out a counter-cultural lifestyle that he never thought possible. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/brian-lynn ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wendy grew up in a broken home and was always searching for the truth. But as she grew older she fell into rebellion and numbed her pain with drugs and alcohol. In desperation, she decided to get sober and began reading the Bible. What she discovered would change her life. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/wendy-zaeringer ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Today, we're launching the Proclaim Podcast Network. Learn more at Proclaim.fm Listen to our other network shows at: StoryPartners.org ExemplaPodcast.com GodOutLoud.com (and listen to the 2nd half of their season premiere episode immediately!) 2. Radio Fundraising Update: We've raised around $19k of our $80k goal. If you'd like to give toward the radio initiative, you can do so at CompelledPodcast.com/donate 3. Hang with us at the SING Conference If you're at the conference and want to hang out with some other Compelled listeners for an hour over coffee just email sing@compelledpodcast.com. If there are enough people interested maybe we'll organize something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At birth, Dean was abandoned by his mother. By 13, he had begun dealing drugs, and soon after moved into a party house in Hollywood Hills with the bad boys of rock & roll, Guns N’ Roses. But the year Guns N’ Roses began to chart at number 1, Dean met the *true* number 1 of his life. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/dean-clark ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Bigler was going about just another day at home when her teenage son, Phoenix, collapsed in an alleyway, his heart stopped beating, and he died. But as Kim began to pray fervently, asking God to intervene, the God of Heaven heard her cry and met her need. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/kim-bigler ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Nsengimana grew up in Rwanda during the 1990s, surrounded by racial tension and anger that eventually boiled over into full-scale violence. As a child, Alex witnessed the unimaginable horrors of the Rwandan Genocide, but after being exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Alex was challenged to do the unthinkable... to forgive the unforgivable. Show notes and book drawing @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/alex-nsengimana ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Compelled returns with Season 8 on Monday, July 22nd! Our season premiere is with Alex Nsengimana, who grew up in Rwanda during the 1990s, surrounded by racial tension and anger that eventually boiled over into full-scale violence, now known as the Rwandan Genocide. As a child, Alex witnessed unimaginable horrors, but after being exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Alex was challenged to do the unthinkable... forgive the unforgivable. But if you can't wait until then, then join our exclusive Season 8 Premiere Preview on The Hamilton Corner on American Family Radio on Friday, July 19th at 5pm CT. Find station listings near you at AFR.net. See you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our last episode, we heard Part 1 of Jeff Parker's story. Jeff was the Vice President of a thriving Christian media company, but he secretly harbored a gambling addiction. This is the 2nd part of his story, so if you haven't heard the 1st half, stop right now and go listen to that. To fund his secret gambling addiction, Jeff began taking shocking measures to hide his activity. Jeff knew he should submit his life to Christ, but the chains of sin ran far deeper than even he realized. The only One who could set him free... was the One who had already broken the chains of sin. Show notes and book drawing @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/jeff-parker-pt-2 ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out. Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices