In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with former NDSU Linebacker and current FCA College Rep. James Kaczor. James is a three-time FCS National Champion, a AFCA Second Team All-American, and a two-time First Team Missouri Valley Conference Linebacker, but those titles pale in comparison to the fact that James has been saved by faith in Jesus Christ and is a child of the one true God.

Listen in as James shares the amazing story of how God used scripture and the faithfulness of key individuals in his life to transform James's heart in addition to:

1. His upbringing and life before knowing Christ
2. How knowing God's truths made football a place for James to grow with other brothers in Christ
3. James's advice for new or young believers on where to start reading scripture
4. His role and his why behind his ministry with FCA
5. A few of his favorite books and podcasts that would help aid you in knowing God deeper and being like Christ
6. The Gospel's Power and Message by Paul Washer
7. Holiness by J.C. Ryle
8. Bible Talk Podcast
9. His simple system for scripture memorization
10. For more on this visit use the links below to listen to the Heart of Flesh podcast episode titled Recovering an Often Neglected Spiritual Discipline.
11. Spotify
12. Apple Podcast

Verse of the Day:

Philippians 3:8-10

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. _____

Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

As the 2025 year comes to a close, this special episode of Stories of His Glory host Ryne Jungling is joined by FCA North Dakota staff members Nate Safe, Austin Bettenhausen, and Tate Tobiason as they reflect on some of the most powerful moments from the season.

Drawing from Alys Seay’s story, the guys revisit key themes like:

1. the pressure of performance
2. the importance of identity in Christ
3. the power of community and discipleship
4. how the truth of the gospel brings freedom.

Reflecting on Jeff Martin’s story and the birth of Fields of Faith topics that are discussed are:

1. highlighting how God uses ordinary, untrained students to boldly share their faith
2. how peer-to-peer testimony often reaches hearts in ways polished speakers cannot.

Finally, the guys revisit Chad Hammontree’s concept of “logging miles”, were they are reminded that:

1. consistent presence, time, and relationship-building can open doors for life-changing ministry.

This episode is a reminder that discipleship doesn’t require perfection or a platform—it requires availability, faithfulness, and a willingness to let God work through everyday moments.

Verse of the Day:

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!"

_____

Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

During his time at the University at North Dakota, Jeff Hoplin, a long time believer in Christ, decided to take a break from playing college football to pursue a semester of Bible School. Although this decision delayed his progress within the football program, Hoplin would not trade the impact that the semester at Bible School had on his life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

In This Episode Jeff Shares:

1. The value of a testimony for individuals who are raised in Christian families
2. The importance of differentiating Bible accounts from the made up stories that children hear about
3. Why believing in Christ is more than just believing in the history of Jesus.
4. A story on how God can use a Gospel share years later to impact the lives of others
5. The incredible importance of discipling new believers

Hopefully Jeff's story challenges us all to not only be bold in sharing our faith with others, but also highlight the importance of walking along side new believers and help them grow in their faith in hopes of not just "leaving them sitting on the curb".

Verse of the Day:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" – Romans 1:16

Resources:

💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org

🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate

☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND

Call to Action:

If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend.

🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports.

🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.