Traveler’s Tales

Some lives are loud, others are steady, and sometimes the most powerful legacy is not found in a dramatic moment, but in a lifetime of quiet faithfulness. This episode tells the story of R.A. Torrey, a man whose influence shaped generations through intense prayer, faithful service, conviction in Scripture, and steadfast integrity. Listen to this account of R.A. Torrey on Traveler's Tales.  READ OUR REPRINT OF ONE OF HIS BOOKS HERE DOWNLOAD "TEN REASONS WHY I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD" Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

During the weeks of preparation before the track and field events of the 1924 Olympics, Eric Liddell was informed that his best races would be held on a Sunday. Despite fierce criticism, Liddell positively refused to run on the Lord's Day. What happened next is a reminder of the power of surrender to the will of God! While no one remembers the winners from the 1924 Olympics. The medals are all lost. Yet, Eric's life continues to encourage millions to a life of full surrender. Listen to this stirring account on Traveler's Tales.  Read more about Eric Liddell HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

God used a once apathetic and stubborn young minister's son to bring us the beloved hymn, At Calvary. What a blessing it is to know that Christ's sacrifice sets the child of God free from sin! Listen to this stirring account of William Newell and this classic hymn on today's Traveler's Tales. Read more about this account HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/ Hymn Lyrics: At Calvary  1. Years I spent in vanity and pride, caring not my Lord was crucified, knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary. Refrain: Mercy there was great and grace was free; pardon there was multiplied to me; there my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary. 2. By God's Word at last my sin I learned; then I trembled at the law I'd spurned, till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary. [Refrain] 3. Now I've giv'n to Jesus ev'rything; now I gladly own Him as my King; now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary. [Refrain] 4 O the love that drew salvation's plan! O the grace that brought it down to man! O the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary! [Refrain]

At the age of 23, George Beverly Shea (1909 – 2013) had a hard decision to make. He could accept a job offer in a secular singing position in New York City, with a great salary and wide respect; or he could continue singing in churches and on Christian radio programs. The poem God used in his life became "I'd Rather Have Jesus." Listen to this stirring account on today's Traveler's Tales. Read more about this account HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/ Hymn Lyrics: I'd Rather Have Jesus 1 I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I'd rather be His than have riches untold; I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands. I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand Refrain: Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway. I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today. 2 I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause; I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause; I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame. I'd rather be true to His holy name [Refrain] 3 He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom' He's sweeter than honey from out the comb; He's all that my hungering spirit needs. I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead [Refrain]

There have been many wicked scourges throughout history. One of the darkest is the slave trade. Few today understand the dark and dreadful realities of that form of slavery. William Wilberforce dedicated his life to abolishing it. Sadly, few have heard of the strong faith that brought Wilberforce to this mission. He was doing what he believed God created him to do. Listen to his story on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read more about William Wilberforce HERE. Learn more about his mentor, John Newton, HERE Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Few people recall the name of Corrie ten Boom. Fewer still have heard of the deep work God did in her as she endured some of the greatest difficulties known to man. God taught her much faith and forgiveness as she and her family suffered in concentration camps for hiding Jews during the height of the Holocaust. She wrote, "There is no pit so deep, that God's great love is not deeper still." Take a moment to allow this true story to move your heart today.  Read more Corrie HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

“Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting” was Hudson Taylor's favorite song. During the dark and gruesome days of the Boxer Rebellion, this song was constantly on his lips. Yet, few know the personal connection behind the hymn's author, a missionary family martyred in China, and Hudson Taylor. Listen to this stirring account on today's Traveler's Tales. Read more about this account HERE Learn more about Hudson Taylor HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/ Hymn Lyrics: “Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting” 1. Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art; I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart. Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee, as thy beauty fills my soul, for by thy transforming power, thou hast made me whole.  Refrain: Jesus, I am resting, resting, in the joy of what thou art; I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart. 2. O how great thy lovingkindness, vaster, broader than the sea! O how marvelous thy goodness lavished all on me! Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is thine, know thy certainty of promise and have made it mine. (Refrain) 3. Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus, I behold thee as thou art, and thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart; satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its ev’ry need, compasseth me round with blessings: Thine is love indeed. (Refrain) 4. Ever lift thy face upon me as I work and wait for thee; resting ‘neath thy smile, Lord Jesus, earth’s dark shadows flee. Brightness of my Father’s glory, sunshine of my Father’s face, keep me ever trusting, resting, fill me with thy grace. (Refrain)

On January 8th, 1956, Operation Auca ended with the death of 5 men: Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Ed McCulley, and Roger Youderian. It was not a military operation; it was a missionary operation. While their lives ended that day, their record stands in Heaven, and their legacy carries on today. On this, the 70th Anniversary of that day, we share that story and a bit about each of the men on Traveler's Tales.  Read more about these men HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales (including one on just Jim Elliot) HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Brother to the famous John Wesley, Charles Wesley wrote well over 7,000 hymns, second only to Fanny Crosby in the number of songs created. Along with Isaac Watts, Wesley was instrumental in introducing hymn singing to the world. Listen to his story on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read more about Charles Wesley HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Henry Longfellow had a beautiful wife and five children. Life was good. On July 10, 1861, some drops of wax fell on his wife’s dress, causing it to catch fire. Though Longfellow did all he could to put out the flames, his wife passed away the next morning. The next Christmas, he wrote in his journal, “How inexpressively sad are all holidays.” Longfellow slipped into deep depression. When his son was injured in the Civil War, it seemed that the darkness would only increase.  On Christmas Day 1864, Longfellow’s hope in God returned. Light came through the darkness. Listen to the remarkable account on this Christmas Day edition of Traveler's Tales.  Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

The year was 1818. Joseph Mohr was the pastor of a church in Obendorf, a village near Salzburg, Austria. The church’s custom was to have a Christmas Eve service, which included singing with the church’s majestic pipe organ. A few days before the holiday, Franz Gruber, the church’s music director, came to Pastor Mohr and informed him that the church organ was broken. Franz told the pastor that he tried to repair it, but with no success. From this disappointment came the famous Christmas song, Silent Night.  Listen to the remarkable account in this Christmas edition of Traveler's Tales.  Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Listen to a special series by Scott Pauley on the Coming of Jesus HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/ Silent Night Lyrics: 1. Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia! Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! 3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Prolific hymn-writer Charles Wesley wrote the original words to ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ in 1739. The writing marked the first anniversary of his conversion. But that was not the end of the story! Listen to the remarkable account on this special edition of Traveler's Tales.  Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Listen to a special series by Scott Pauley on the Coming of Jesus HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Dr. Peter Marshall's preaching, prayers, and counsel encouraged and guided many of America's leaders through those dark times of trouble during WW2. But his story did not begin in the Senate chambers of the United States; it began with a humble immigrant who learned to be faithful in the waiting seasons. While a sudden death cut his earthly ministry short, the lessons of his humility and perseverance carry on. Listen to the full account on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read more about Peter Marshall HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

The life and ministry of Mary Slessor speaks for itself. This courageous woman of faith labored for decades where few others would dare to visit. She was compelled by a love for her Savior, a compassion for the lost, and the testimony of those who were already engaged in missionary work.  Listen to the compelling account on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

From a blasphemer to a pastor. From wretched to redeemed. The testimony of John Newton is a stirring reminder of the transformative power of the gospel. The God who rescued a wicked slave captain from the bondage of sin and used him to encourage William Wilberforce on his mission to abolish the slave trade is our God today. Listen to the compelling account on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

The testimony of 17-year-old Lady Jane Grey is one of the most compelling accounts of Christian steadfastness in Church history. The true story of "The Nine Day Queen" teaches us to run to the Lord during our difficulties. Listen to the compelling account on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

It was 1874 when the poem, “The Ninety and Nine,” was discovered, set to music, and sent out on its worldwide mission. Its discovery seemed as if by chance. Ira Sankey (the author) recorded the story in his writings. Hear the remarkable account on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. Hymn Lyrics: The Ninety And Nine 1. There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold, but one was out on the hills away, far off from the gates of gold — away on the mountains wild and bare, away from the tender Shepherd’s care, away from the tender Shepherd’s care. 2. “Lord, thou hast here thy ninety and nine; are they not enough for thee?” But the Shepherd made answer: “This of mine has wandered away from me, and although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find my sheep, I go to the desert to find my sheep.” 3. But none of the ransomed ever knew how deep were the waters crossed; nor how dark was the night that the Lord passed thro’ ere he found his sheep that was lost. Out in the desert he heard its cry — sick and helpless, and ready to die, sick and helpless, and ready to die. 4. “Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way that mark out the mountain’s track?” “They were shed for one who had gone astray ere the Shepherd could bring him back.” “Lord, whence are thy hands so rent and torn?” “They’re pierced tonight by many a thorn, they’re pierced tonight by many a thorn.” 5. But all thro’ the mountains, thunder-riv’n, and up from the rocky steep, there arose a glad cry to the gate of heav’n, “Rejoice! I have found my sheep!” And the angels echoed around the throne, “Rejoice, for the Lord brings back his own! Rejoice, for the Lord brings back his own!”

Songwriter Philip Bliss was traveling with the famous evangelist D.L.Moody. While preaching, Mr. Moody told this true story behind what later became, Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. Hear the stirring account on today's Traveler's Tales.  Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. Lyrics: "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning" 1. Brightly beams our Father’s mercy From His lighthouse evermore; But to us He gives the keeping Of the lights along the shore. (Refrain) Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave! Some poor fainting, struggling seaman You may rescue, you may save. 2. Dark the night of sin has settled, Loud the angry billows roar; Eager eyes are watching, longing, For the lights along the shore. (Refrain) 3. Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed, Trying now to make the harbor, In the darkness may be lost. (Refrain)

Booker T. Washington began life with far greater challenges than most of us will ever face. In his youth, Washington wished for an opportunity to excel without such tremendous obstacles. He dreamed of reaching the highest levels of success without the extra work required because of his skin color. However, he soon learned that God uses trials to strengthen our character (James 1:3-4). Listen to his remarkable true story on today's Traveler's Tales. Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

"God, I pray, light these idle sticks of my life, and may I burn up for Thee. I seek not a long life but a full one like Yours, Lord Jesus." (A prayer from Jim Elliot). Although Jim Elliot's life was short, it was given in sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Jim's account reminds us to place our lives in the hands of the Creator.  Listen to his remarkable true story on today's Traveler's Tales. Read this true story HERE. Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/