What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan, and the foundation you thought was solid begins to crumble?

In Episode 32 of Stories of His Glory, host Ryne Jungling sits down with Scott Staal, FCA’s Director of Ministry Strategies, to explore how Jesus transforms lives through sports, ministry, and even our most painful seasons. From the impact of a high school coach who spoke life into him to a calling into FCA ministry, Scott shares how God has shaped his journey.

But one of the most significant chapters of Scott’s story came when he faced deep personal suffering and found himself at what he describes as “the wall.” Through heartbreak, counseling, difficult conversations, and the support of others, Scott began to discover a deeper relationship with Jesus—one not built on performance or duty, but on dependence, healing, and intimacy with God.

Scott shares why God’s primary concern is not simply what we do for Him, but who we become in Him. He unpacks the ongoing process of spiritual formation and transformation, reminding us that Jesus invites us to bring Him our hurt, confusion, questions, and struggles.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, ministry leader, or someone navigating a difficult season, this conversation is an encouragement that suffering does not have to be the end of your story. God invites us to walk with Him through the wall and discover the restoring power of the gospel.

Topics include:

• The lasting influence of a coach’s words
• Growing up in faith and making your faith your own
• Discerning God’s calling into sports ministry
• Building ministry when the path is uncharted
• Honoring faithful volunteers who serve behind the scenes
• Finding God in seasons of suffering and heartbreak
• Building your life on the Rock when storms come
• Why spiritual transformation goes deeper than outward performance
• Understanding discipleship as a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus
• Bringing our honest questions, pain, and struggles to God

Verse of the Day:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” - Matthew 7:24-25

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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.

What happens when the things we believe will satisfy us leave us feeling empty? In this episode of Stories of His Glory, host Evan Eriksmoen sits down with Devin Hiller, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wishek, North Dakota, to hear his powerful story of brokenness, redemption, and lasting hope in Jesus Christ.

Growing up, Devin found himself searching for identity and approval through sports, relationships, and other pursuits. Despite athletic success, including a state championship in the 400 meters and a track scholarship to NDSU, he continued to struggle with depression and a deep sense of emptiness. But God was at work through the faithful friendship of an older believer, a Bible study, and the truth of the gospel. Devin eventually surrendered his life to Christ, beginning a journey that would take him from teaching and coaching in Crosby, North Dakota, to serving in Uganda and ultimately pursuing pastoral ministry in rural North Dakota.

Devin also shares an important reminder for believers: following Jesus doesn't mean life will suddenly become easy. Our hope isn't found in a trouble-free life, but in Christ, who understands our suffering and promises an eternal glory beyond it.

Topics include:

• The danger of finding our identity and worth in sports, relationships, and achievement
• Devin's struggles with depression and his journey toward hope
• How a faithful friendship and Bible study helped him understand the gospel
• The life-changing impact of surrendering to Jesus Christ
• Following Christ when it means leaving old habits and friendships behind
• God's call to ministry, missions in Uganda, and serving rural North Dakota
• Why Christians should expect suffering and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus
• Finding lasting hope, joy, peace, and contentment in Christ

Verse of the Day:

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

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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.

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne Jungling sits down with FCA Area Representative and UND football chaplain Tate Tobiason to talk about the unexpected journey God used to lead him into ministry.

Tate grew up dreaming about football and eventually discovered a passion for strength and conditioning that led him to the University of Nebraska. But while pursuing a career in collegiate strength coaching, God began opening and closing doors that would ultimately lead Tate somewhere he never expected: FCA.

From being rejected by the Nebraska drumline to working in college athletics, from making just $12 an hour to wrestling with whether to pursue opportunities elsewhere, Tate shares how God used people, mentors, closed doors, and seemingly ordinary circumstances to redirect his plans.

Tate also shares what ministry looks like at the University of North Dakota—from weekly FCA huddles and one-on-one discipleship to serving as the football chaplain and simply being present with athletes. His story is a powerful reminder that discipleship isn't necessarily about reaching everyone. Sometimes it's about investing deeply in a few people and trusting God to multiply the impact.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Growing up with a passion for Nebraska football
• Discovering strength and conditioning
• The competitive side of drumline, powerlifting and pole vault
• Finding his calling in strength and conditioning
• How God used mentors like Tate's father and Coach Ron Brown
• The unexpected connection that brought Tate into FCA
• Wrestling with God's direction and career opportunities
• Learning to trust God when doors close
• Tate's journey into support raising
• The importance of spiritual mentors
• Ministry of presence
• Serving as the UND football chaplain
• Connecting athletes to the local church
• Why FCA is a conduit to the church rather than a replacement for it
• God's ability to use our passions and experiences for His purposes
• What it means to surrender our plans to God's plans

Verse of the Day:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9

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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.