The Grand Awakening Podcast

04/14/2026

(Click here for podcast: https://youtu.be/9CYJLVGR5zw?si=YkMYvEaIWIP-JHSB )
Tripp Hurst has been married to Nhung for 25 years and they are blessed with a daughter, Lexi. Tripp is a former Radio DJ with 20 years of experience, most of that taking place in Memphis, TN where he was raised. Now that Tripp lives in West Michigan, he currently serves inside the Kent County Jail with Reach the Forgotten Ministries. He also reaches out to other incarcerated folks inside the State Prison in Muskegon. In the past, Tripp has interacted with a number of evangelistic ministries, all of which helped develop his faith and equipped him to share the Gospel with those who don’t yet know Him. He also trained with Living Waters Ministries about doing open-air preaching. And, recently, Tripp did an open-air service in Indianapolis, Indiana during the Final Four basketball series held in that area around Easter time. Finally, another one of Tripp’s interests is theater. He loves acting in plays and even serves on the Board of Directors of Master Arts Theatre here in West Michigan.

In this podcast, Tripp shares how, while his parents raised him in the church, he never became a true follower of Jesus. Twenty-five years ago, Tripp married Nhung, who was a true Christian. She soon realized her husband had only been faking his faith, so she began to pray earnestly that he would soon become a true Christ-follower. It took 10 painful years of addictions and other awful issues to finally see God answer Nhung’s prayers. And not only did Tripp then come to Christ, he began to be on fire for Jesus, and that passion continues to this day! He absolutely loves sharing the Gospel with anyone who needs to hear. https://youtu.be/9CYJLVGR5zw?si=8lCWssDzNTcTd6Vx

03/30/2026

Brad Formsma is the founder of I Like Giving, an organization which has inspired millions of people to live generously through its Generous Business, Generous Family, and Generous Classroom initiatives. He’s also the host of The WOW Factor, a podcast for business leaders, and a popular speaker at corporate, church and community events. Brad’s most recent projects include the “Generous Students” curriculum for grades K-5 (plus a 26-week homeschool edition) and the Generous Kids Book Club, teaching children seven ways to live generously. Brad and his wife Laura live in Southern California and are the proud parents of 3 adult children.

In this podcast, Brad talks about how the example of his grandfather’s generosity was so instrumental in Brad himself becoming a generous and giving man of God. Brad also shared how, through various media platforms, his ministry is now encouraging many young people to learn the life and joys of giving that will ideally start them on a lifetime of being generous to others. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive!

Brad Formsma is the founder of I Like Giving, an organization which has inspired millions of people to live generously through its Generous Business, Generou...

03/20/2026

Prior to his nomination to his current position as the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party during the 2024 elections, where his leadership did much to deliver a Republican victory. During the first Trump Administration, Pete served as Ambassador to the Netherlands.

Previous to that service, Pete was elected as a Member of Congress from 1993 to 2011, representing Michigan’s 2nd District. In Congress among other responsibilities, Pete was Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence from 2004 to 2007.

Pete is a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan and then worked to receive an M.B.A. degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Subsequent to that, Pete was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Grand Valley State University and has also been the recipient of many other outstanding awards. Pete and his wife Diane recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and are grateful to God for their three adult children.

In this podcast, Pete Hoekstra describes his heart for America as well as his gratitude for our close neighbor Canada, the nation in which he now is required, as our ambassador, to make his home. As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, Pete shared how God’s blessing has kept America relatively prosperous and blessed in the past, and how we need constantly to renew our passion for Him and His ways to continue to receive God’s blessing. When I asked him about his relationship with his “boss” Donald Trump, Pete described some of his periodic one-on-one interactions with the President. Finally, Pete helped conclude our discussion by leading us in a sincere prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prior to his nomination to his current position as the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party during th...

02/11/2026

Matt Goehler was raised in Coldwater, Michigan in a household of five folks, which included his parents, an older brother, and younger sister. While his family identified as Catholic, their faith was rather superficial, feeling more like a task to check off "the list" than a relationship with our Creator. As a young adult, Matt attended Grand Valley State University, where, sadly, he adopted many habits and behaviors he knew were wrong in an attempt to find fulfillment. He sought to hide his many struggles for fear he would be labeled a "disappointment" or "failure". Graduating from GVSU in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, he then considered himself an atheist. That all changed in the years that followed as we will discuss in this exciting podcast.

By God’s grace, Matt is now a devoted follower of Jesus. He also runs a thriving business called Lake Effect Lure Company. He is married to his dear wife Kalie, and together they have three awesome children and another on the way. I’m quite sure you will be touched as you hear his amazing story.

In this podcast, Matt shares how a major crisis earlier in his life left him feeling totally hopeless, to the point that he came very close to intentionally taking his own life. But just before pulling the trigger on his gun, God spoke out loud to him! And that, amazingly, resulted in him beginning to choose to move in a totally new and life-giving direction. He is so grateful for all that God has done, and continues to do, in and through him. And because he can totally identify with people who are struggling with addictions and pain, he can help them find the only real cure: a life-giving relationship with Jesus!

Matt Goehler was raised in Coldwater, Michigan in a household of five folks, which included his parents, an older brother, and younger sister. While his fami...

01/19/2026

Travis Lambright is of Irish and Italian descent. He and his older sister were raised in a succession of places, including California, Maine, and Seattle, Washington. His professional background involved both commercial fishing and sales. Currently, Travis is studying ministry leadership, since he is sensing the call of the Lord to become a pastor. His goal is to give support to individuals who are seeking a better life and who desire to receive healing from past trauma and addiction. Travis has a 25-year-old daughter. For fun, Travis enjoys good food and activities by the water.

In this podcast, Travis describes how, after his mother died, his life went downhill in a major way. At age 14, his father kicked Travis permanently out of the home. Living much of his teen years either on the streets or, due to his lawbreaking, incarcerated, Travis tried in vain to numb his pain through various drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships. But God! Yes, God used the prayers and caring of various people to ultimately call Travis to faith in Christ and now even a call to ministry!

Travis Lambright is of Irish and Italian descent. He and his older sister were raised in a succession of places, including California, Maine, and Seattle, Wa...

01/06/2026

Mary Sterenberg is currently the Pastor of Discovery Church in the Grand Rapids area. She also is a Ministry Partner for Igniting Revival, a teacher and leader with Presbyterian-Reformed Ministries International (PRMI). In addition, for 11 years, Mary has been the Prayer Mobilizer for the Great Lakes Region of the Christian Reformed Church (CRCNA).

Education wise, Mary received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in 1980, and worked for several years in rehabilitation, homecare therapy, and eventually started her own private practice in that arena. But after becoming involved more heavily in ministry, Mary became ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in 2012 as a Commissioned Pastor. Mary felt called to attend Calvin Theological Seminary, from where she graduated in 2016.

While Mary loves serving the local church, she also has a vision and passion to unite the greater church body together. She has worked with Gathering Grand Rapids, and was the Prayer Co-Chair for the Luis Palau Association City Fest which, in 2018, drew thousands of people to Grand Rapids MI and to the Lord.

Mary has been married to her high school sweetheart Bruce Sterenberg for 45 years. Together, they have three adult children and ten grandchildren.

Karl House grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. Karl has planted a Christian Reformed Church near Toronto and a Vineyard Church in Tampa. He is back in Grand Rapids planting The Way MicroChurches—A new family of simple churches in Grand Rapids and beyond. Karl's passion is to pour into a new generation of disciples, leaders and MicroChurches. In the various places where Karl has lived, one of the many things he has done has been to encourage pastors in that geographical area to unite on a regular basis in prayer. Karl and his wife Anita have two adult children and one grandson.

In this podcast, Mary and Karl highlight the upcoming Prayer Summit to be held at Maranatha April 20-22 and why Christ-followers should love to be part of it.

Mary Sterenberg is currently the Pastor of Discovery Church in the Grand Rapids area. She also is a Ministry Partner for Igniting Revival, a teacher and lea...

12/06/2025

Gabe VanCoonis is 23 years old. While he was born in California, Gabe grew up in the Houghton Lake area of Northern Michigan. In 2022, he moved to Grand Rapids where he eventually came to Calvary Church that opened the door for him to begin a personal relationship with the Lord. Since coming to Christ, Gabe’s passion for Jesus has been on fire and continues to grow. His favorite things now are studying theology and sharing what he is learning with others.

Gabe currently serves as the Facilities Night Shift Team Lead at Calvary Church, a role that gives him many opportunities for ministry. He regularly uses his passion and gift for teaching to pour into coworkers, high schoolers, and Community Service Volunteers. He’s involved in facilities ministry, young adults’ ministry, and leads a Saturday morning Bible study for his coworkers. Through everyday conversations and intentional discipleship, Gabe loves helping people grow in their faith and seeing the beauty of both them and himself as well walking more closely with Christ.

In this podcast, Gabe tells his amazing story of how, since coming to Calvary church, he came to real faith in Christ. He also shares how Jesus’ presence in his life has produced in him an overwhelming love for our Lord and a passionate desire to share Jesus with those who don’t yet know Him. While Gabe is working in a job that could be considered a bit tedious, he loves the fact that it allows him daily to be able to encourage other people to come to faith in Jesus or, for those who already are Christians, to grow in their faith.

Gabe VanCoonis is 23 years old. While he was born in California, Gabe grew up in the Houghton Lake area of Northern Michigan. In 2022, he moved to Grand Rapi...

10/17/2025

Arek O'Connell is an Outreach and Young Adult Pastor at Hillside Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI, where he has served faithfully since 2013. He has been married to his wife Jamie for 14 years and they have two children (Kaia;5 -and- Leighton;4). Arek is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at Gordon Conwell where his thesis will be focused on spiritual healing from trauma. The work that brings Arek the most joy is teaching trauma classes in high-needs communities and being the chaplain for the East Kentwood varsity football team.

In this podcast, Arek shares about his very turbulent background where, as a child, he experienced a home full of trauma and pain, which included multiple divorces and significant animosity and even cruelty. But, by the grace of God, as a young teen, Arek was greatly helped by a loving pastor who took Arek under his wing and brought him to saving faith in Christ. His life was radically changed!

Yet, as Arek began to attend a Christian college in California, the external trauma suddenly got even worse as Arek’s father was viciously murdered. Arek shared how God clearly, miraculously, and even surprisingly empowered him to reach out to his father’s murderer in love and forgiveness, and actually lead that man to faith in Christ!

Finally, Arek shared what a joy it has been to be chaplain of East Kentwood High School’s football team. Despite EK being a public high school, his players have chosen to lovingly pray with their opponents’ teammates after each game. Truly amazing! God is certainly on the move among Gen Z young people in our nation!

Arek O'Connell is an Outreach and Young Adult Pastor at Hillside Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI, where he has served faithfully since 2013. He has been...

09/12/2025

David Padgett is quick to tell you that his story is not about what he has done, but what God has done in his life. At 53 years old, he has been sober since June 21, 2014, and he gives all the glory to the Lord for the transformation that followed. After many years of struggling with drugs and alcohol, he was admitted to treatment at Bradford Health Services and then spent six months at Any Length Resources Sober Living. There, David experienced God’s hand of restoration in a way that reshaped his life. Once broken and without his family, he now leads them spiritually, reunited with his wife Laura—whom he first married in 1996, divorced in 2010, and by God’s grace remarried in 2018. Together they have three children and are blessed with two grandchildren.

Since being ordained at Highlands College after graduating in May of 2020, where he received a degree in Biblical Studies and Pastoral leadership, David has served faithfully wherever God has placed him. For the past six years, he has humbly led as Pastoral Director at Bradford Health Services, the same place where he first went for help. In February 2024, he helped launch The Church of Receiving Hope, a ministry born out of his own story of healing and redemption, where he serves as lead pastor. David also serves as a managing partner and director of Any Length Resources, pouring back into the same community that once carried him. His life today stands as a reminder that when we fully surrender to God, and intently pursue a relationship with Him, He not only restores what was stolen by the enemy, but uses it to bring hope to others.

In this podcast, David describes his upbringing in a rather strict religious home where God’s grace and mercy were greatly under-emphasized. He now understands that he had a God-shaped vacuum in his heart (that everyone of us actually has) that he sought to fill with drugs and alcohol. Obviously, nothing other than God can adequately fill that void, and drugs and alcohol certainly didn’t for David. But, by God’s grace, David got help from caring people in various treatment centers. And he then gradually began to have a real encounter with our loving God which resulted in his freedom from addiction and even ultimately restored his marriage and family! David concluded this podcast by offering hope for all of us who seek to fill our empty hearts with anything other than God, which can include food, gambling, po*******hy, work, acclaim, or whatever.

David Padgett is quick to tell you that his story is not about what he has done, but what God has done in his life. At 53 years old, he has been sober since ...

09/05/2025

Henry E., better known as “Hank” Erwin, is widely known as the “storyteller of motivation!”

His talent for telling stories that both entertain and result in commitment and action on the part of his listeners is legendary. Hank learned the art of storytelling from his late father, Medal of Honor Recipient Henry “Red” Erwin, who held small crowds spellbound with stories of bravery in World War II.

Hank became a committed Christian in college and married his sweetheart Shelia Daniel the day before his graduation. They have now been together for 53 years and have two married sons,
and seven grandchildren. They reside in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

But it was telling stories that guided Hank’s life. He attended Dallas Seminary in Texas to become a preacher. But during those days, God opened a door into radio and TV leading him to become an on-air personality. So, instead of becoming a preacher, Hank plunged into media for nearly thirty years as a journalist and talk show host. He soon became a media advocate for pro-life and family values, patriotism, and conservative issues. All that eventually won him awards and notice in Alabama among voters looking for fresh faces in the world of politics.

So in 2002, Hank was elected to the Alabama State Senate, serving two terms as a firebrand for conservative family values across the state. He fought to bring gambling to a standstill and helped usher in a whole new Republican government for the people of Alabama.

However, strange as it may sound, it was his bedtime stories that really changed history! As a loving father, he told his two sons bedtime stories when they were very young. For example, he used Woodlawn football stories that were so colorful that it ultimately ignited their imaginations to the point that they wanted to become movie makers! So, forty years later the world now knows the famous Erwin Brothers, Andy and Jon, who have gone on to produce and direct ten faith-based motion pictures, all of which that have garnered Dove Awards for outstanding achievements in Christian film! You will undoubtedly recall many of them, including “October Baby,” “Woodlawn,” “I Can Only Imagine,” “Jesus Revolution” and “House of David.”

Hank now spends some of his time traveling around the country telling stories in banquets and churches to entertain and motivate people. But, recently Hank also assumed the role of leading a nation-wide movement for revival and spiritual awakening called the Great American Prayer Revival, or GAP26. This effort has the potential to be used by God to bring much-needed healing to America.

In this podcast, Hank tells how, when he was in college, God lovingly brought him to faith in Christ and then, through a wide variety of career moves, to where he currently is now leading GAP26, a nation-wide effort to bring much-needed revival and spiritual awakening to America. You will find his call to get involved with this important effort very compelling! For more information, go to GAP-event.org.

Henry E., better known as “Hank” Erwin, is widely known as the “storyteller of motivation!”His talent for telling stories that both entertain and result in c...