In this special Valentine’s episode of the Sojourner Storycast, we step into the story behind Valentine’s Day by exploring the life and legacy of Valentinus, a Christian believer remembered for his courage, faith, and Christ-shaped love in the Roman Empire.

Set against a world where love was once forbidden by law, Valentinus’ story invites us to see that love is more than a feeling or a holiday tradition—it is a faithful choice to obey God, care for others, and stand firm in truth, even when it comes at great cost. Through secret weddings, quiet acts of faithfulness, and bold testimony about Jesus, Valentinus’ life helps us rediscover what true love really means.

As we trace the history and legends surrounding Valentine’s Day, we are reminded that love, as Jesus taught and lived it, is patient, kind, humble, and selfless. Valentinus’ story points us beyond cards and candy to the greater story of Christ—the One who laid down His life for His friends and calls us to love one another as He has loved us.

This episode helps families explore how faith and love shaped the early church, how God’s love cannot be stopped by earthly power, and how small, faithful acts of love can bring light into dark places.

Scripture: John 15:12–13, 1 Corinthians 13

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast—a storytelling series for kids, teens, and families that weaves history and Scripture together to show how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian homeschool families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a free PDF companion guide with a mini devotional, historical context, reflection questions, activities, and creative projects—ideal for personal study, classroom use, or family discipleship.

Episode Page:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/valentinus/

Free PDF Companion Guide:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/valentinus-companion-guide/

Watch Episode Here:

https://youtu.be/YzV2poRRyxs

In this episode of the Sojourner Storycast, we step into the story of Thaddaeus—one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who is remembered for asking a thoughtful and honest question: Why doesn’t Jesus show Himself to the whole world? Thaddaeus’s story helps us explore a question many of us still ask today—why doesn’t God just prove Himself in a big, undeniable way?

Through Thaddaeus’ question and Jesus’ encouraging reply, we discover that faith isn’t built on spectacle or force, but on love, trust, and relationship. Jesus teaches that God makes His home not in public displays of power, but in the hearts of those who love Him—and that His peace comes from knowing God is with us, even when life feels confusing or hard.

Thaddaeus’ story reminds us that it’s okay to ask honest questions, that real faith grows through trust, and that God is close to those who love Him. His life invites us to follow Jesus not because we are forced to believe, but because we are freely drawn by His love.

Scripture: John 14:22–27

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast—a storytelling series for kids, teens, and families that weaves history and Scripture together to show how God worked through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian homeschool families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a free PDF companion guide with a mini devotional, reflection prompts, and extra resources—ideal for personal study or family discipleship.

Episode Page:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/thaddaeus/

Free PDF Companion Guide:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/thaddaeus-companion-guide/

Watch Episode Here:

https://youtu.be/byUXQVoATRY

In this episode of the Sojourner Storycast, we step into the story of Nathanael—a sincere and honest disciple who Jesus recognized as “an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit.” Nathanael’s story reminds us that seeing God’s truth with an open heart, even when it surprises us or challenges our expectations, can lead to awe, wonder, and a life of faithful following.

Nathanael shows us that following Jesus isn’t about climbing to earn God’s love or being perfect—it’s about trusting Him as the ladder and gate that connects heaven and earth. His story invites us to respond with honesty, humility, and faith, knowing that God can use even quiet, ordinary hearts to accomplish extraordinary things.

Scripture: John 1:43–51, Genesis 28:10–17

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast—a storytelling series for kids, teens, and families that weaves history and Scripture together to show how God worked through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian homeschool families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a free PDF companion guide with a mini devotional, reflection prompts, and extra resources—ideal for personal study or family discipleship.

Episode Page:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/nathanael-and-the-ladder-to-heaven/

Free PDF Companion Guide:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/nathanael-companion-guide/

Watch Episode Here:

https://youtu.be/hnxtkyK58d4

In this episode of the Sojourner Storycast, we step into the story of Andrew—a quiet disciple who recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God and took a bold step of faith to follow Him. Andrew’s journey reminds us that noticing Jesus and responding with faith, even in small ways, can lead to extraordinary impact.

Andrew shows us that following Jesus isn’t always easy or comfortable, but every act of faith—bringing a friend, offering what we have, pointing others to Christ—matters in God’s kingdom. His story invites us to trust that God can use our ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes.

Scripture: John 1:35–42, John 6:8–9

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast—a storytelling series for kids, teens, and families that weaves history and Scripture together to show how God worked through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a free PDF companion guide with a mini devotional, reflection prompts, and extra resources—ideal for personal study or family discipleship.

Episode Page:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/andrew/

Free PDF Companion Guide:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/andrew-companion-guide/

Watch Episode Here:

https://youtu.be/j804juOM2_w

In this episode of the Sojourner Storycast, we step into the honest and redemptive story of John Mark—a young follower of Jesus who stumbled, ran away, and later became a faithful servant of the gospel. His journey reminds us that failure is not the end of the story when God is at work.

John Mark’s life shows us that God specializes in restoration. Though he once turned back in fear, God used time, grace, and perseverance to shape him into a trusted companion of Paul and Barnabas and the author of the Gospel of Mark. His story invites us to trust that God can redeem our weaknesses and use them for His purposes.

Scripture: Acts 12:12, Acts 13:13, Acts 15:36–41, Colossians 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast — a storytelling series for kids, teens, and families. Each story weaves history and Scripture together to show how God worked through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian homeschool families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a free PDF companion guide that includes a devotional, rabbit trails, extra resources, and helpful links—perfect for personal study or family discipleship.

Episode Page:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/john-mark/

Free PDF Companion Guide:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/john-mark-companion-guide/

Watch Episode Here:

https://youtu.be/73OhpLd

In this episode of the Sojourner Storycast, we step into the quiet and faithful story of James the Lesser—one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who served without recognition or fame. Often overshadowed by others, James shows us that faithfulness matters deeply to God, even when the world barely notices.

James the Lesser’s life reminds us that following Jesus isn’tabout being seen, remembered, or celebrated—it’s about obedience, humility, and steadfast devotion to Christ. His story invites us to trust that God sees what others don’t and uses hidden faith for His greater purposes.

Scripture: Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:16–19, Luke 6:12–16

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast — astorytelling series for kids, teens, and families. Each story weaves history and Scripture together to show how God worked through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian homeschool families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a free PDF companion guide thatincludes a devotional, rabbit trails, extra resources, and helpfullinks—perfect for personal study or family discipleship.

Episode Page:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/james-the-lesser/

Free PDF Companion Guide:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/james-the-lesser-companion-guide/

Watch Episode Here:

https://youtu.be/-Vg40ntUOF4

In this episode, we explore the story of Matthew the tax collector—a man despised by his own people, yet personally called by Jesus to follow Him. From sitting at a tax booth to writing one of the Gospels, Matthew’s life is a powerful picture of grace, repentance, and redemption. His story shows us how Jesus welcomes sinners, transforms hearts, and uses ordinary people to tell the greatest story ever told.

Matthew’s life reminds us: no one is too far gone for Jesus. True discipleship begins when we leave our old life behind and follow Him in faith and obedience.

Scripture: Matthew 9:9–13; Matthew 10:3; Mark 2:13–17; Luke 5:27–32

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast—a storytelling series for kids, teens, and families. Each story brings history and Scripture together to show how God worked through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian homeschool families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a PDF companion guide that includes a devotional, rabbit trails, extra resources, and helpful links—perfect for personal study or family discipleship.

📥 Download Free Guide:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/matthew-the-tax-collector-companion-guide/

Read episode:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/matthew-the-tax-collector/

Watch episode:

https://youtu.be/qkp94DtfSvU

In this Advent Special, we explore The Tale of Three Trees—a beloved folktale of dreams, waiting, and God’s surprising plans. Each tree had a hope: one wished to hold treasure, another to sail for kings, and the third to grow tall and point others to God.

But God’s ways were far greater than their imaginations, showing that even ordinary trees can play a part in His extraordinary story of salvation.

We’ll talk about:
• How God works in unexpected ways
• The importance of waiting and trusting His timing
• How ordinary things can be used for extraordinary purposes
• Finding value and purpose through Christ’s presence

This story reminds us: our dreams and plans may change, but God’s work in our lives is never wasted—and His presence gives true meaning and worth.

Scripture: Luke 2:1–20; Mark 4:35–41; Matthew 27:32–56; John 19:17–30

This episode is part of the Sojourner Storycast—a storytelling series for kids, teens, and families. Each story brings history and Scripture together to show how God worked through ordinary people (and trees!) to accomplish extraordinary things. Perfect for Christian homeschool families, family devotion time, and Bible learning at home.

You can also download a PDF companion guide that includes a devotional, rabbit trails, extra resources, and helpful links—perfect for personal study or family discipleship.

📥 Download Free Guide: https://faithsteadjourney.com/product/advent-special-tale-of-three-trees/

Read episode:

https://faithsteadjourney.com/advent-special-the-tale-of-three-trees/

Watch episode:

https://youtu.be/dXLhJlfvnmg