On this episode of dPod, we go behind the staff with Josue: Burkina Faso–born, South Florida–raised, pastor’s kid, Northwestern med student, and Voyage team intern. We talk about finally settling how to say his name, growing up in a loud, joyful church, wrestling with guilt and salvation after a school shooting, and how the Prodigal Son helped him grasp grace. Josie shares why he chose a 1 hour 40 minute commute and deep church community over a convenient downtown life, what med school cadavers taught him about eternity, and what he’s learning as a new staff intern trying to follow Jesus in grad school.

On this episode of dPod, Josh and Nancy share their journey from being set up by mentors to saying “I do” during the middle of COVID. They talk about the escape room date Josh used as a stress test, the dish-washing expectations that almost caused their first fight, and the infamous “I told you so” moment. They also reflect on parenting Micah and what God has been teaching them as they lead international ministry in Chicago.

In this BTS episode, Joel tells his story: growing up in a Christian home, getting turned off by “just trust God” answers, and throwing himself into school, music, and swimming instead. He shares how God used welcome-week boba, honest talks with mentors, and a spring retreat to break through his resistance. Now a team intern, Joel reflects on staying in Chicago, going to the Loop, Cambodia, and learning that everyone needs the gospel—not just people like him.

Percy and Elaine join DP for a conversation about marriage, communication, and life with their newborn. From the two-van saga to parenting tips that have helped them, like get double of everything, the Chens share their learnings and reflections on marriage and parenthood so far!

Fred and Deborah join DP on the pod to share newlywed stories, what they’ve learned about conflict and communication in marriage, and how their team navigated a huge transition—moving 30+ staff into one building in Morton Grove to better reach all of Chicagoland!

In this ... perhaps final episode of dPod from Chicago, I talk to Nicholas & Jeanette (whom I have affectionally named "Jicholas") talk about their learnings from marriage, and how they learned to rejoice in all circumstances and experience the church as family through some of their health challenges this past year.

This episode with Agape and Marie has a little bit of everything—from fighting about laundry to leading a last-minute mission trip. They open up about the miscarriage they experienced and how God used a vision to bring about a powerful moment in the Dominican Republic. Along the way, they reflect on why they’re learning to believe that God really does want to use them—even in weakness.

In this episode of dPod, I sit down with Genji and Hyuna to talk marriage, ministry, and everything in between. We kick things off with a round of the Newlywed Game. Then we dive deep: Genji talks about how he's a "control freak" and Hyuna shares how she went from a “slacker” to embracing hard work and ministry with joy. We also get into the behind-the-scenes challenges of leading big events like Good News, and wrap up with thoughts of how they've grown through it all.