In this BTS episode, Ruben shares how signing up for a baptism class led him to an unexpected realization: he wasn’t actually a Christian.

Ruben grew up going to church in Brazil and knew all the right habits and language. But when church leaders asked him simple questions about Jesus and how his faith showed up in everyday life, he realized he had never truly surrendered control to Christ. Instead of pretending, he chose to step away from church altogether.

In this conversation, Ruben talks about dechurching during COVID, moving to Chicago for grad school at Northwestern, and how a random flyer and a welcoming community slowly drew him back. He reflects on the difference between inherited faith and personal faith, and what changed when following Jesus stopped being a habit and became a real commitment.

On this episode of dPod, we go behind the staff with Josue: Burkina Faso–born, South Florida–raised, pastor’s kid, Northwestern med student, and Voyage team intern. We talk about finally settling how to say his name, growing up in a loud, joyful church, wrestling with guilt and salvation after a school shooting, and how the Prodigal Son helped him grasp grace. Josie shares why he chose a 1 hour 40 minute commute and deep church community over a convenient downtown life, what med school cadavers taught him about eternity, and what he’s learning as a new staff intern trying to follow Jesus in grad school.

On this episode of dPod, Josh and Nancy share their journey from being set up by mentors to saying “I do” during the middle of COVID. They talk about the escape room date Josh used as a stress test, the dish-washing expectations that almost caused their first fight, and the infamous “I told you so” moment. They also reflect on parenting Micah and what God has been teaching them as they lead international ministry in Chicago.