Jon Fritts truly has a servant’s heart, and we believe this conversation will challenge and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Since 2021, Jon and his family have been an integral part of Desert Springs, pouring their time and energy into ministry through faithful service. Raised in a small town in Oregon, Jon grew up in a family deeply involved in their church. His mother was a dedicated youth leader, and his father quite literally built part of the church—helping construct the parsonage on the property. In school, Jon was known as “the good Christian kid,” a label that came with both blessings and challenges. As he grew older, he faced a pivotal moment where he had to embrace his faith as his own, not just something he was known for. Seeking a change of pace after high school, Jon moved to Phoenix for school, where he found mentorship from a youth pastor—a relationship that remains strong to this day. It was also during this time that he met his wife. Experiencing genuine Christian community, where people truly walked alongside him in faith, left a lasting impact. His journey eventually led him to Southwestern Bible College (now Arizona Christian University), where he deepened his understanding of faith, realizing that his righteousness came not from himself but from God. Jon’s heart for service has been a defining theme in his life. He stepped into a volunteer youth pastor role at a church plant, and from that point on, he’s done just about everything in ministry. What sets Jon apart is that, despite his deep involvement in the church, he has always maintained a career outside of ministry—serving simply because he’s called to, not because it’s his job. It’s a perspective that offers much to reflect on. Jon also shares about some particularly difficult years in the mid-2000s when he faced economic struggles, a severe hand injury, and his wife’s challenging pregnancy. During that season, someone asked him, “What are you going to do?” His response was simple: “I just have to trust in God and see what He does.” Even in hardship, Jon continued to serve, and time and again, he witnessed God’s faithfulness—not always in ways he expected, but always in ways that proved true. This conversation is for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it truly means to serve. Let it challenge and inspire you as you walk with Christ!

Serve at Desert Springs

Pastor Steve's March 2025 sermon on fruit in the life of a Christian

Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.com

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We were honored to have Kate Newton join us in the studio to share her powerful journey to Christ. Hailing from Grants Pass, OR much of Kate’s story unfolds in her hometown. Growing up, her parents managed a trailer park that also welcomed RVs, creating an environment where she encountered people from all walks of life. While this upbringing brought a variety of experiences, it also exposed Kate to the harsh realities of crime, including instances of violence and even murder. Tragically, the concept of death became all too familiar. When Kate was just 11 years old, her world was shattered when her 16-year-old brother died in a devastating car accident involving a train. The heartbreak fractured her family, leaving Kate to navigate her teenage years largely on her own. She recalls feeling more like a roommate to her parents than a daughter, shouldering the weight of grief in isolation. Adopting a mindset of “if you’re going to die, you might as well live,” she turned to partying in search of distraction and meaning. Though she occasionally attended church with a boyfriend in her early adulthood, faith didn’t yet hold a significant place in her life. By the age of 25, Kate was facing financial struggles after college and found herself working at a health food store. Her coworkers formed an unusual trio — a prostitute, a self-proclaimed white witch, and an older Christian woman named Sandy. It was through these circumstances that God began to stir something within her. Sandy quickly became a guiding presence in Kate’s life. Eventually, Kate moved into a room in Sandy’s home, and their friendship deepened. It was there, with Sandy by her side, that Kate made the life-changing decision to give her heart to Christ. In an instant, God became undeniably real — present, active, and faithful. Kate shared remarkable stories of how God consistently showed up in her darkest moments, offering comfort and provision. Her testimony serves as a reminder that no matter the struggle — anxiety, fear, loss, or grief — we can trust in Jesus. Her encouragement to listeners is simple yet profound: place your trust fully in Him, because He is always faithful.

Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.com

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

The Stories Collective is back! On March 9th, we celebrated three years of sharing powerful stories, and it’s amazing to reflect on just how many lives and experiences that represents. God’s faithfulness has been evident every step of the way. We hope you had a chance to catch up on any episodes you may have missed during our break because we’re so excited to be back!

Today, we have a special episode featuring Sarah Underwood, and we believe her story will truly warm your heart. When our host, Sarah Schalow, first sat down with her, she could hardly finish asking how God had been faithful in her life before Sarah enthusiastically began sharing the countless ways she’s experienced His goodness. Sarah’s journey with Christ began at just five years old, and her relationship with God has only grown deeper over the years. However, her life was forever changed at the age of 12 when her father was tragically struck by a car and killed while returning home from a men’s prayer meeting at their church. With remarkable vulnerability, Sarah opens up about how her family navigated this devastating loss and how she learned to rely on her Heavenly Father in the absence of her earthly one. While anxiety has sometimes threatened to overwhelm her, Sarah’s sincerity in casting her cares upon the Lord is inspiring. Her story is a beautiful reminder that God is always near when we come to Him. One of the most impactful themes she shares is the importance of keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus — a practice she intentionally pursues each day. Sarah also speaks candidly about her experiences with singleness and how she continues to trust God’s plan for her life, even when it looks different from what she once imagined. Her steadfast faith and joyful perspective will uplift and encourage you. We’re so glad to be back, and we know Sarah’s testimony will bless you. Tune in and be reminded once again that even when life doesn’t go as planned, God’s plan is always good.

Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.com

Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!