"From Searching to Connected: Real Stories of Finding Your People on the Journey”

Step Out and Build Biblical Friendships – Don’t Walk Alone

Have you ever felt like faith was something you did mostly alone? You listen to teachings, read your Bible, and try to follow Jesus—but something is missing. That something is a real, deep connection with other believers who are on the same journey.

Sometimes we may forget that God has designed us for community. Scripture calls us to “one another” — to encourage each other, bear burdens, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

That’s why Journey Groups (and the smaller “Me and 3 groups) exist: to move people into intentionally connected faith-filled relationships that are  centered on God’s Word.

Today I want to encourage you to take initiative. To reach out and then show up. Get connected. You never know how God might answer your prayers and bring “your people, your tribe", into your life.

The Biblical Call to Community

Jesus gathered disciples into a close group. The early church met daily (Acts 2). Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us not to give up meeting together. When we take that first step, we open the door for encouragement, accountability, and real spiritual growth.

What Happens in a Journey Group?

Journey Groups are a practical and “out-of-the-box," way to meet, grow and disciple others.

These groups focus on clear, applicable Bible teaching that helps you understand and live out God’s Word

It also give you the opportunity to build genuine relationships and pray specifically for one another

There is solid support and encouragement that turns strangers into friends who truly care

All this while we are striving to learn what being a disciple of Christ truly means.

For me, these groups are much more than a typical Bible study. I can honestly say that these are the first study groups I have ever stuck with. I feel commited to these friends who show up every week so that we can stretch and grow together.

So now lets put some names and faces together and hear some of our friends stories.

Meet Gwen Starmer:

"I lived in California for most of my adult life, then 16 years ago I met Karl and our adventure began! I have two children and my husband Karl has three. Not all have lived with us at the same time—I think they did a show about that and it’s not what they say!! (Brady Bunch)

We moved through Northern California, Texas, and Arizona before landing in Misery… I mean Missouri, to be closer to his aging parents. When we arrived in Missouri, we expected it to be easy to find a church and Christian community, but after two years, we still hadn’t found “our people.”

Connecting with Your Jesus Journey (YJJ) has been a true answer to prayer. We discovered YJJ after seeing a truck wrapped with the “Your Jesus Journey” logo in the background of a baptism video filmed in Quartzsite, Arizona. After looking into the channel and connecting with Thad and Kaila, everything lined up with biblical truth for us. It was definitely a Holy Spirit moment without any fear or doubt.

I’ve been participating in a “Me and 3” group for a few weeks now and love the relationships we’re building. The group even prayed for us as we looked for and purchased a small RV for shorter trips. It has been amazing to go from hoping for an “outside of the box” community to actually planning a trip to Idaho for our first event, “The Pig Out.”

Recently, God has shown me that He is always faithful even during dry spells. He wants us to grow, love, and go out into the world to share the Good News."

Meet Nancy Newcomb:

"My name is Nancy Newcomb. I am one of five children, born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I currently live in Pittston Township. I am recently retired from my career as a Registered Nurse. I was married for 35 years and have been widowed for the past 6 years. I have one daughter, two step-children, and 7 grandchildren.

I was raised Lutheran and became Catholic several years after I was married. I am currently attending a local Christian Assembly of God Church. All my life I knew who Jesus was, but I never really knew Him.

Between 2020 and 2023, I lost my husband, my mom, my three brothers, and a good friend. My daughter encouraged me to pray and read the Bible. At first, I did it just to humor her, not thinking anything could help lessen my sorrow. But I was so wrong. I began seeing signs that He heard my prayers. I realized I was not alone—and in reflection, I saw that He had always been there with me.

It was around late 2024 that I started attending a Bible study at my church, and one of our church members, Tracey, introduced me to YJJ. I am so grateful to her. Once I started listening to Pastor Thad and how he walked through the Word and explained it for the first time in my life, I knew I wanted to hear more. In this group, I watch and listen as everyone lifts one another up with prayers and encouragement. Strangers who become friends and truly care.

I know now that without Jesus in my life I could have easily become so angry and bitter. In the YJJ podcast there always seems to be topics that relate to something going on in my life. I am excited that we have started a Me and Three/Four Group. I look forward to our meetings and making new friendships with women of faith.

A favorite verse that I strive to remember is Jeremiah 29:11-12: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.”

Meet Lucy Gwin:

"I was born and raised in Northern California and now live in Colorado, where I work as an HR Manager with FEMA.

More recently, I had been listening to two different churches online on Sundays since I live an hour away from most everything. I knew about God, but I was looking for something deeper.

I first found Your Jesus Journey through the YouTube channel “Work Less and Enjoy Life More.” Once I started listening to Pastor Thad, everything began to resonate with me. Philippians 1:6 has especially been stirring in my heart lately: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Being part of YJJ has made me more sociable and connected to many Jesus-loving people. It has helped me show up and stay accountable in my faith. I’ve even started sharing the live podcasts with my Aunt in Colorado and the next morning I listen with my sister, who walks with the Lord. What a blessing!

I’ve connected with Ms. Rubi in such a special spiritual way, even though she may not even realize it yet. I can’t wait to share with her how much her wisdom has meant to me. The community feels so genuine, caring, and full of people who serve one another.

This sense of belonging has helped me get connected in ways I never imagined. God definitely led me to YJJ in His perfect timing. One important lesson He’s been teaching me lately is to strive to love people through Jesus’ eyes."

Meet Val Carpenter:

"I’m from the Palouse, Washington and Potlatch, Idaho area and have lived outside of Princeton for 41 years. I retired three years ago.

Before discovering Your Jesus Journey, my walk with Jesus was faltering. The Bible often felt confusing and I struggled to apply God’s Word to my daily life.

The story of the Prodigal Son has always stood out to me. I love that God wants me no

matter what — He waited 38 years for me to finally come home.

I first heard about YJJ from Bruce Fager two years ago. We were invited to a Christian gathering down the road (the Pig Out) and I ended up visiting with Bruce. He told me about the daily podcast and how much he was learning from it. That’s when my husband Tom and I made the podcast part of our growth process.

YJJ has really helped simplify how to walk with Jesus. I no longer feel like it’s too hard or something I can’t follow for the rest of my life. I now have lots of support and look forward to gathering with other believers as often as I can. I’ve grown more in the last two years than in the previous 38 years!

I’ve always been cautious about reaching out to form new friendships, but the YJJ teaching and the people I’ve met feel safe. I’m now reaching out and accepting others reaching out to me. My walk with Jesus feels basic, daily, and solid. I no longer feel tossed about.

I’ve struggled with loneliness for years throughout most of my Christian walk. This community has changed that. I love the genuine relationships that are forming and finally feel like I belong. God has taught me that community is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth. I tried to grow on my own for years and now understand why it was so difficult. The sound biblical teaching at YJJ makes sense to me, and I’m so thankful it’s part of my life now."

Your Next Step

These powerful stories from Gwen, Nancy, Lucy, and Val remind us that real connection doesn’t usually come by staying comfortable. God often calls us to step out, stretch ourselves, and take that first brave step toward community. If you’ve been searching for your tribe — those who will walk with you, pray with you, and grow with you in faith — don’t wait for it to happen on its own. Get out of your comfort zone, reach out, and connect with others who are chasing Jesus too.

Remember, you were never meant to walk this journey alone.

Ready to find your people?

Click the link below to learn more about Journey Groups and Me and 3 groups and take your next step today. We can't wait to meet you!

Learn more about our exciting out-of-the-box ministry here

Meet the author and Her Partner in Faith:

Tammy and Bruce have been married for 39 years, navigating life as best friends and partners in faith. Their days are a beautiful of service and creativity: Tammy serves her as an active EMT when she isn't on the road, while Bruce, a retired Law Enforcement officer, is the visionary artist behind God’s Country Art.

Between the adrenaline of emergency medicine and the peace of the open road, Tammy is a lifelong writer currently preparing to publish her debut Christian Fantasy novel, Beyond the Mirror’s Edge.

Together, they are devoted parents and grandparents who find God’s handiwork in everything—from a life-saving moment in the field to a quiet piece of hand-carved wood. Whether through fellowship with others online at Your Jesus Journey, or a campfire chat at a new campsite, they are committed to sharing the love of Christ one mile at a time.

You can see some of Bruce's handiwork at Godscountryart.com