Thomas Nelson has launched a new "Jesus Calling" podcast, which is now available to download for free on iTunes, Stitcher and other podcasting platforms. The podcast features stories from readers of the Jesus Calling devotional and illustrates how spending time with the devotional has made a difference in their lives.

The first episode in the series features Dr. Cindy Ryan, associate pastor of First United Methodist Church in Grapevine, Texas. The episode focuses on the collective impact that has been made by sharing Jesus Calling within the church's community of more than 2,800 members.

“As a pastor, I think people are looking to us for practical ways to understand faith and to live it out,” Ryan said. “They come every week looking for resources for the real-life challenges that they have. I don’t think that anybody really wants easy answers, but they want tools. They want help. I believe that Jesus Calling is one of those practical tools you can put in their hands in a variety of situations and say, ‘Just read this daily.’ It’s just incredible to look at our congregation and see the ways we’ve been provided for. God has been there before we even knew how much we would need this.”

Future episodes will feature personal stories from many other Jesus Calling readers around the world.

Michael Aulisio, vice president of marketing for gift books at Thomas Nelson, commented on the impact of Jesus Calling.

“We receive stories on a daily basis of how Jesus Calling has helped create community among individuals within the same church, neighborhood and social circle,” Aulisio said. “We believe this podcast will create the same supportive community Jesus Calling readers have enjoyed—but in a digital form.”

Phil Keaggy, a GMA Dove Award-winning guitarist and composer, provided the background music that accompanies the stories. When Keaggy's friend told him about the podcast, he offered to lend his talents to it because of how Jesus Calling has made an impact on his family.

“Jesus Calling has been such a blessing to me and my wife, Bernadette, morning by morning,” Keaggy said. “We take time to read it every day. Each page conveys the heart of Jesus and His undying love for each and every one of us. These daily readings are a cup of cool water to the thirsty soul.”

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