Surrender, Loss, and the Providence of God | Troy Solhjem | Ep.027

Surrender, Loss, and the Providence of God | Troy Solhjem | Ep.027

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with Troy Solhjem, FCA area representative for southeast North Dakota — farmer, rancher, Army National Guard veteran, powered paraglider pilot, and one of the most interesting people you'll ever meet. Troy shares his journey from a childhood on a remote North Dakota farm, raised in a solid Christian home yet mistaking moral living for genuine faith. He opens up about years of drifting through college without direction, how the Army gave him discipline and purpose, and the surprising detour through a European dairy farm that led him back to the family operation. The conversation turns to the moment everything changed: how God used the birth of his first daughter — and the unlikely ministry of AM Christian radio, heard through the open windows of a dusty tractor cab — to open his ears to the gospel for the first time. Troy then shares the hardest chapter of his story: the loss of his young son in an accident in 2015. With remarkable honesty, he describes the Abraham-like moment of surrender at the scene, his daughter quoting Scripture through tears, and how God turned unimaginable grief into a ministry to bereaved parents through While We're Waiting. Finally, Troy recounts the astonishing chain of confirmations — including a divine connection he never saw coming — that led him onto FCA staff, and reflects on the providence of God in suffering: that the Lord doesn't just carry us through trials, He produces something eternal in us through them. In this episode you'll hear: * Why Troy's lifelong dream of flying led him to strap a propeller to his back. * The difference between living a good moral life and truly knowing Jesus. * How AM Christian radio was used by God to save both Troy and his wife. * The story of Jeremiah, and the moment of surrender that shaped everything after. * Why the church often struggles to walk with grieving parents — and what helps. * How the While We're Waiting ministry brings hope to bereaved families. * The two extraordinary confirmations that led Troy onto FCA staff. * Why trusting God's providence transforms how we see our deepest trials. Verse of the Day: "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples." — Psalm 96:3 _____ Resources: 💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org 🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate ☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND Call to Action: If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend. 🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports. 🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Process, Purpose, and Pursuit | Jacob Sommerfeld | Ep. 026

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with basketball coach and North Dakota Army National Guard officer Jacob Sommerfeld. Jacob shares how sports first captured his heart, the lessons he learned as a role player on successful basketball teams, and how those experiences laid the foundation for a life of servant leadership. From the basketball court to military service, Jacob reflects on the importance of culture, teamwork, and embracing your role, even when you're not in the spotlight. The conversation turns deeply personal as Jacob shares how a coach's Bible study transformed his understanding of Jesus from someone he merely admired to the true Lord of his life. He opens up about conviction, discipleship, accountability, and the ongoing process of sanctification. Jacob also discusses a pivotal season when God closed the door on his plans to become a teacher, ultimately leading him into military leadership and back into coaching in ways he never expected. Through every twist and turn, God was teaching him to trust the process and surrender control. Finally, Jacob shares his excitement about an upcoming FCA basketball mission trip to Madagascar and his passion for helping athletes glorify God through sports. In this episode you'll hear: * How sports taught Jacob teamwork, culture, and servant leadership. * The impact of a coach who invested in him spiritually. * The difference between following Jesus and simply knowing about Jesus. * Lessons learned through failure, disappointment, and God's redirection. * Why the people around us matter in our walk with Christ. * How coaching can be a powerful platform for discipleship. * The vision behind FCA's growing international ministry efforts in Madagascar. * Why Jacob's coaching philosophy centers on one simple goal: Glorify God and have fun doing it. Verse of the Day: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 _____ Resources: 💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org 🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate ☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND Call to Action: If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend. 🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports. 🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Missouri, Mentorship, and Spiritual Maturity | Logan Kopp | Ep. 025

Today's episode features former All-American NDSU Linebacker, Logan Kopp. Originally a native of St. Louis, Missouri, Logan discusses how he ended up at NDSU and how the impact of the people that God placed in his life during his first few years in Fargo helped shape his spiritual maturity and walk with Jesus Christ. In this episode Ryne and Logan discuss: * How growing up the youngest of 3 siblings drove his competitive spirit * The process of ending up at NDSU and the challenge of being far from home * The temptations and struggles that he faced in high school and college * The people God placed in Logan's life to that helped him see the true meaning of the Gospel * How Logan transitioned into a spiritual leader on campus * The decision Logan had to make after college. * How he had the opportunity to share the Gospel at his post National Championship press conference * How true joy only comes from a relationship with Jesus If you are interested in seeing Logan's post game interview mentioned in this episode, please feel free to click the link below: Logans Post National Championship Game Interview [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DEhwsoEOjiq/] Verse of the Day: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:4-7 _____ Resources: 💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org 🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate ☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND Call to Action: If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend. 🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports. 🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Jesus is Better | Jalen Sundell | Ep. 024

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne Jungling sits down with former North Dakota State Bison football standout and current Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Jalen Sundell to talk about championships, identity, faith, and discovering that Jesus is greater than even the biggest stage in sports. Jalen shares his journey from growing up playing sports in Missouri, to winning championships at NDSU, to the unlikely road that led him to the NFL and ultimately to a Super Bowl title. But behind the success was a deep struggle of chasing fulfillment through football while feeling spiritually empty. During the uncertainty of COVID and the loss of football, God used a simple Bible study in Romans to completely transform Jalen’s life. In this powerful conversation, Jalen opens up about surrendering his idols, learning true contentment in Christ, and why his response after winning the Super Bowl was simply: “Jesus is better.” This episode is a reminder that no accomplishment, trophy, or platform can satisfy the human heart the way Christ can. In This Episode: * Growing up in a championship culture * Starting a high school bass fishing team * The pressure and identity tied to sports * How COVID became a turning point in his relationship with Christ * The Bible study that changed everything * Learning contentment apart from football * The unlikely road from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion * Faith in the NFL and leading other believers * Why “Jesus is better” means more after achieving the ultimate dream Verse of the Day: "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" - Philippians 3:7-8 _____ Resources: 💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org 🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate ☕ Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND Call to Action: If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend. 🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports. 🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Leadership That Lights the Way | Scott Kost | Ep. 023

In this episode of Stories of His Glory, Ryne sits down with Central Cass softball coach Scott Kost to talk about faith, leadership, and building something that lasts far beyond wins and losses. Scott shares his journey from growing up around church to truly following Jesus in his early 20s, and how that decision became the foundation for everything in his life, from his family to his coaching career. What started as a simple volunteer opportunity turned into a 26-year coaching journey marked by championship success, but more importantly, a commitment to developing people, not just players. In this conversation, you’ll hear: * Why the most important decision Scott ever made wasn’t about career or coaching—but following Jesus * How coaches can intentionally build culture and teach life lessons in practice * The role relationships play in lasting impact * Why winning isn’t the ultimate goal—and what is * How living out your faith can influence others without saying a word This episode is a powerful reminder that the way you live your life may be the very thing that leads someone else to Christ. Verse of the Day: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16 _____ Resources: 💪 Learn more about FCA in North Dakota: https://www.fcand.org [https://www.fcand.org/] 🙌 Support the mission: https://fcand.org/donate [https://fcand.org/donate] Thanks to our sponsor: Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee – Mandan, ND [https://www.copperdogcafe.com/] Call to Action: If this story encouraged you, share it with a coach, athlete, or friend. 🎧 Follow the show so you never miss more stories of how Jesus is transforming lives through the world of sports. 🙏 Leave a review and help us declare the glory of Jesus Christ everywhere.