Godly Goosebumps

Have you ever been mistreated as a result of your faith in Christ? If so, this episode of Godly Goosebumps—in which Pastor Dudley shares the recording of an interview conducted during a weekend worship service at Shepherd Church—is sure to encourage and inspire you. Join Pastor Dudley as he revisits his moving conversation with Bob Fu, an educator and advocate for the persecuted Church in China and the founder and president of ChinaAid. Born, raised, and educated in China, Bob was a student leader during the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations before accepting Christ and ministering as a house church leader in Beijing. Ultimately, he and his wife, Heidi, were arrested under the charges of "illegal evangelism" before a miraculous escape enabled them to enter the United States of America as religious refugees. This jaw-dropping episode points to an important Biblical truth: The persecuted will be rewarded. 

In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares the powerful testimony of author, poet, Bible teacher, and hip-hop artist Jackie Hill Perry. After a life-changing encounter with the Lord, Jackie made the difficult decision to leave a cherished same-sex relationship and assume a new identity, found not in any earthly relationship but instead in a relationship with the one true God. While journeying into the unknown, through heartache and uncertainty, Jackie discovered a love like no other.

Are you curious—or perhaps even concerned—about life after death? In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley, with tear-filled eyes, recounts a dream he had shortly after the death of his beloved mother, Pattie Rutherford. In a fleeting moment of sleep, filled with images that seemed all-too-real, Pastor Dudley encountered someone he'd been desperately longing to see. Don't miss this heart-wrenching episode that highlights the reality that there is more to life than this life. 

In 1996, a pastor from Wichita, Kansas, sparked nationwide controversy after offering an opening prayer before a session of the state House of Representatives. Forgoing any expected politically correct niceties, Pastor Joe Wright stood boldly before legislators and lifted up an impassioned prayer of repentance. As the United States wades into another charged political season, this episode will convict your heart and point you to our nation's only hope for maintaining God's hand of blessing.

If you've ever questioned the reason for your existence, this episode is for you! Join as Pastor Dudley retells the incredible story of a single mother who was being held hostage by a violent criminal on the run. While the man had committed a number of atrocious crimes and it appeared that her life was in great danger, it soon became clear that their time together was a divine appointment. This episode is sure to leave you with Godly Goosebumps and the encouragement that no matter who you are or what you've done, there is an important purpose for your life.

Don't miss this episode of Godly Goosebumps as Pastor Dudley shares one of the greatest displays of faith he's ever witnessed—at Dodger Stadium, no less! While attending a game with a buddy, Pastor Dudley found himself seated next to a young boy who, though completely blind, sat in the stands wearing a firmly fit baseball glove, hoping to catch a foul ball he would be unable to see coming. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would soon present itself, illustrating the great opportunity bestowed on all believers: the chance to share the hope of Jesus with a world trapped in darkness. 

Who would have dreamt that an American man brutally enslaved in Africa in the 1800s would act as an impetus for the emancipation of those held in American chains? Join Pastor Dudley as he retells the true story of James Riley, captain of an American merchant ship that wrecked off the coast of Northern Africa in 1815. Escaping the dangers of the pounding sea, Riley and his crew miraculously made it ashore, only to be soon captured and enslaved. While his story is full of unexpected turns and unimaginable travails, the Lord's guiding presence was evident, offering a powerful reminder that He can redeem any situation!

If you have ever been mistreated—or even persecuted—and left unsure of how to respond, then this episode is for you. Pastor Dudley shares the true story of a man by the name of Shodankeh Johnson who was residing in war-torn Sierra Leone when he was captured and held at gunpoint. Moments away from death, as a commanding officer prepared to pull the trigger, Shodankeh offered up a bold prayer of faith—he asked the Lord to provide him with the courage and wisdom to share Christ with his oppressor. Listen in, and you won’t believe what happened next!

In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares about the time he received a jarring Instagram message from an atheist who declared the Bible to be nothing more than a fairy tale. While it seemed highly unlikely that such a man would ever be receptive to the message of the gospel, Pastor Dudley engaged the man in conversation, hoping for the opportunity to plant a seed of faith. Their moving interaction underscores the biblical truth that God desires to use every believer, including you, to build bridges to those who seem out of reach.

Has a season of pain or loneliness ever led you to ask, "God, where are you?" Join in as Pastor Dudley retells the moving story of a heartbroken widow who received an unexpected gift and a much-needed reminder of the Lord's loving care for her. If you are in need of this same reminder, this episode of Godly Goosebumps is for you. 

Do you ever question God's feelings toward you? Do you worry that sin or personal shortcomings have disqualified you from His love or purpose? Pastor Dudley kicks off a brand new season of Godly Goosebumps with a story that points to an important spiritual reality: God cherishes broken people. Don't miss this powerful episode and the encouragement that the Lord desires to work in and through your life, imperfections and all!

Wildly successful and at the peak of his career, multi-time world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao had everything the world could offer at his fingertips. All the while, Manny found his life outside the ring to be vastly incomplete—his marriage was in shambles, his family life was strained, and he was drifting deeper into a life of drinking, gambling, and self-destructive indulgence. Listen in as Manny shares about a dream, undeniably from the divine, that would ultimately and irrevocably transform him into a faithful follower of Jesus and humble servant of people. In this second of a powerful three-part episode, you’ll be reminded that no matter how far you may have wandered from God, you too can be transformed into a new creation in Christ!

It’s difficult to fathom that international icon and twelve-time boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao was once a young boy in the Philippines fighting devastating hunger and poverty. Entering the ring for the first time, he boxed with the simple hope of being able to provide food to his family. Don’t miss the first of this incredible three-part episode as Pastor Dudley recalls his first encounter with the “Pacman” and the special invitation he received to lead a chapel in the legend's Los Angeles home. It would soon become clear that Pacquiao’s journey from rags to riches resembles his remarkable journey to faith—a dramatic transformation that has compelled a man who was once without food to generously nourish his community, both physically and spiritually.

Do you ever wish you could summon the courage to speak the truth? If so, you’re in good company. In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley, who boldly preaches before thousands of people week after week, makes a confession that might surprise you—he was once quiet, timid, and often times afraid. Join in as he shares his personal testimony and how God used a few cigarette-smoking elders to transform a fainthearted college student into a courageous man of God who unapologetically proclaims the truth of God's Word to people all around the world.

Having grown up in Mexico City as the daughter of faith-filled missionaries, Kate Maupin recalls witnessing the miraculous, even at an early age. Her wholehearted faith was put to the test when she unexpectedly received several serious diagnoses that would seemingly resign her to a lifetime of pain and medication. Listen along for the turn of events that left Kate’s medical care team baffled, ultimately pointing to the healing power of God. This episode of Godly Goosebumps will provide you with the important reminder that, in Kate’s words, God is good, present, and moving—even in your deepest pain.

Have you ever faced immense hardship and wondered, “What have I done to deserve this?” This question was all too familiar to Annahita Parsan, an Iranian woman who endured profound loss before being forced to flee Iran with her abusive husband. Upon this terrible trek, Annahita would face an icy, unforgiving terrain and eventually, prison. Join as Pastor Dudley shares this compelling story of a journey that would ultimately unleash physical and spiritual freedom and learn how you too can experience the freedom that is only found in Jesus.

If you find yourself wrestling with doubt or unbelief, you’re not alone. Join as Pastor Dudley retells the remarkable story of a chain-smoking skeptic whose unlikely journey to faith began when he was handed a Bible for the very first time. He thumbed through its pages, not anticipating that he would find within it anything of value—only paper in which he could roll his tobacco. He couldn't have been more wrong. This episode will leave you with Godly Goosebumps and uncover the key to discovering an authentic, unshakable, and life-changing faith.

When Rueben—a heavily tattooed man who had spent a lifetime apart from God—was diagnosed with cancer, his family began to fervently pray, not only for his physical healing, but for his spiritual healing as well. In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares a profound word of encouragement for those who, like Rueben, are desperately in need of restoration.

The Bible teaches us that God specializes in fresh starts. If you don’t believe us, just ask Steve! In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley retells the powerful true story of a man whose life was in shambles. While in the middle of a divorce, Steve was arrested for a DUI and discovered to be illegally in the possession of a Jet Ski that had mysteriously disappeared from a local shop. Police returned the stolen Jet Ski to its rightful owner, who, rather than pressing charges, made a surprising request that completely changed Steve’s life.

On today’s episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley Rutherford turns to the Bible for our story. In Luke 15, Jesus shares three stories; the story about a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son. Focusing on the lost sheep, we see that there will be more rejoicing over one sinner who repents than the 99 who do not need to repent.