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. 💯✨

What does it really mean to surrender everything to God—not just the parts that feel easy?

In this episode of The Life Stories Podcast, I sit down with Amerie for one of the most honest and unfiltered conversations I’ve ever had on this show. We talk about identity, faith, struggle, and what it truly looks like to follow Jesus in a world that constantly tells us to define our own truth.

Amerie shares her story of searching for belonging, wrestling with addiction, depression, and identity, and encountering God in moments that completely changed the direction of her life. From a powerful early encounter with the Holy Spirit, to a breaking point that revealed her purpose, to the ongoing process of laying down old identities and learning what it means to live fully surrendered—this conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard topics.

This episode isn’t about perfection.
It’s about obedience.
About grace.
About coming out of agreement with lies and stepping into freedom.

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, felt torn between culture and conviction, questioned whether God could really change you, or wondered if church is truly a place you belong—this episode is for you.

Following Jesus isn’t easy—but it is worth it.

“Come as you are, but don’t stay as you are.”

In this episode of The Life Stories Podcast, photographer and videographer Lane Nolan dives deep into a journey filled with faith, creativity, and personal growth. 🌟

From growing up in a Christian household to finding his voice at UTSA and stepping into ministry at CBC, Lane shares how student ministry shaped his walk with God and built a strong sense of community around him. 🙌

But Lane’s story goes beyond ministry—he opens up about his powerful testimony of learning to accept himself fully and love who he is, realizing that only through embracing self-love could he truly love and serve others. 💙✨

The conversation also explores the influence of Christian music in connecting with youth, and the beauty of living authentically in your faith journey. 🎶🙏

Tune in for an episode that will inspire you to embrace your story, love yourself, and live your faith out loud.

Follow Lane in IG HERE

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Tori for an honest and powerful conversation about her journey through the valleys of mental health struggles and into the light of hope and healing. 💬❤️

Tori opens up about her battle with depression and self-harm, and how the courage to seek help—and the gift of community—played a life-changing role in her story. We dive into the importance of faith in the darkest seasons, the beauty of sharing testimonies, and the way God can meet us right in the middle of our pain. 🙏

Together, we also explore how youth ministry can spark a strong, unshakable faith in the next generation, and why telling our stories matters more than ever. 🌱✨

This is a conversation about honesty, hope, and the transformative power of God’s love. You won’t want to miss it!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Aden and Jackson, two recent high school graduates, as they share their transformative experiences within the CBC student ministry. From hilarious camp stories to profound moments of faith, they open up about their journeys, the impact of community, and their aspirations for the future. Whether you're a student, a parent, or just curious about the power of youth ministry, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of two individuals committed to making a difference. Tune in to hear their stories and be inspired by their passion and dedication.

In this heartfelt episode of The Life Stories Podcast, host David Gonzalez welcomes Makayla, affectionately known as "Big Mac," to share her inspiring journey of faith and transformation. From feeling alone and at rock bottom to finding community and purpose, Makayla opens up about her path to discovering Jesus and embracing a call to ministry. Join us as we explore themes of mentorship, spiritual growth, and the power of testimony in shaping lives. Whether you're seeking encouragement or insight, this episode offers a genuine look at the impact of faith and friendship. #FaithJourney #Community #LifeStoriesPodcast