In this episode of The Life Stories Podcast, David sits down with Val to hear a powerful testimony of faith, healing, and transformation.

Val shares how her journey with God began as a teenager attending church, but everything changed when she faced a life-threatening illness at just 14 years old. In the middle of that frightening moment, she discovered a faith that would carry her through one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

As she entered adulthood, Val found herself trapped in a six-year abusive relationship that left her feeling broken, lost, and struggling with her identity. But through prayer, fasting, and a renewed pursuit of God, the Lord stepped into her story, closed doors that she couldn’t close herself, and began restoring her heart.

Today, Val serves in ministry at CBC and is part of the MTI program, where she continues to grow in her calling to serve and lead others. Her story is a powerful reminder that God wastes nothing — even the pain, the betrayal, and the darkest seasons can be used to shape a greater purpose.

This conversation is filled with honesty, encouragement, and a challenge to go all in with God. If you’ve ever struggled with identity, broken relationships, or wondering what God is doing in your life, this episode will remind you that healing, freedom, and purpose are possible.

Everyone has a story.
This is Val’s Story.

A few months back, I recorded CBC Students Alumni Part 1 with Aden & Jackson — and now Part 2 is finally here with Zach & Zayden, two guys I’ve had the honor of leading, mentoring, and truly calling family.

In this episode, we talk about how God can use one “yes” to change everything — even when you walk in feeling awkward, unsure, or like you don’t belong. We revisit those camp moments that hit different: the Texas Tech days, the late-night cabin conversations, the prayers, the honesty, and the friendships that turned into real brotherhood.

Zayden shares his journey of stepping away from what he once believed and finding real truth in Jesus — including how camp became a turning point that reshaped his identity and faith. Zach opens up about something so many students wrestle with: trying to live one foot in the world and one foot with God, and learning what it really looks like to surrender, trust God’s plan, and keep Jesus at the center when life gets loud.

We also speak directly to the Class of 2026 seniors (and anyone stepping into a new season): the pressure, the choices, the temptation, the fear of the unknown — and why community matters more than ever. Because following Jesus doesn’t mean life gets instantly easier… but it does mean you’re never fighting alone.

If you’re a student, a young adult, a parent, or someone who’s just trying to figure out faith in real life — I pray this episode reminds you that God is still moving, still calling, and still changing lives. 🙏🏽🔥

This week on The Life Stories Podcast, David sits down with worship leader and songwriter Sarah for a deep, honest, and powerful conversation about faith, freedom, and what it really looks like to walk with Jesus when life gets messy. 🎙️🔥
Sarah opens up about growing up in church, struggling with addiction and a double life, and how a personal encounter with God in the secret place changed everything. 🙏✨

She shares how obedience, even when she felt unqualified and afraid, led her into healing, deliverance, and a completely new direction for her life. 💛
Together, they talk about the difference between performing for God versus being with God, why true worship starts long before you ever walk into a church, and how time alone with Jesus shapes everything we carry into the world. 🎶🕊️

This episode also dives into anxiety, shame, and the pressure to “get it all together,” especially for students and young adults trying to figure out their faith. 💭💔
Sarah speaks directly to anyone who feels stuck in cycles, reminding us that God’s mercy is still available, the blood of Jesus is still powerful, and getting back up matters more than getting it perfect. ✝️❤️

With laughter, real talk, scripture, and heartfelt encouragement, this conversation is a reminder that God still rescues, still restores, and still calls people into purpose right in the middle of their process. 🌈🙌
If you need hope, a reset, or just a reminder that you are not too far gone, this episode is for you. 💯✨