What if the content your kids consume could do more than entertain them—it could help shape who they become?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with Christian storyteller Debbie A. Thomas, creator of King Kenny, to explore faith-based children’s content, parenting, creativity, and the power of telling stories that point kids toward faith and positive values.

Debbie shares how a simple, God-given idea grew into books, songs, videos, characters, and live experiences that reach children through schools, churches, healthcare institutions, and youth organizations. Her story also reminds us that meaningful work often starts small—with an idea, a willingness to step out in faith, and a community willing to help bring the vision to life.

Key Takeaways

• Kids need content that entertains and builds character. Wholesome stories and songs can help children learn faith, responsibility, confidence, and positive values.
• Start with what God has placed in your hands. Debbie’s journey shows how one simple idea can grow when you’re willing to take the next step.
• Authenticity matters. Creating for people—not simply for algorithms—can lead to deeper and more meaningful connections.
• You don’t have to do it alone. Debbie emphasizes the “whole village” of family and friends who helped bring King Kenny to life.
• Your gifts have a purpose. Everyone has a story, testimony, or ability that can encourage and impact others.

Take the next step: Share this episode with a parent, grandparent, teacher, or ministry leader looking for better content for kids. Then subscribe to The MercyCast for more conversations about faith, purpose, compassion, and living out your God-given calling.

You are loved.

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About Debbie A. Thomas

Follow Ms. Debbie on Instagram. Watch songs with Ms. Debbie and King Kenny on YOUTUBE,

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

What if the goal isn’t to escape suffering, but to learn how to walk through it with God?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler welcomes back Karis Meier, author of Suffering Redeemed, for an honest conversation about chronic illness, unanswered prayer, faith, and finding purpose when the pain doesn’t go away.

Karis shares how years of illness, medical challenges, and uncertainty have reshaped her understanding of God’s goodness. Together, Raleigh and Karis explore why suffering doesn't always have an easy explanation—and how faith can help us hold joy and suffering at the same time.

In This Episode

• Finding faith when suffering continues
• What to do when prayers seem unanswered
• Why suffering isn't necessarily a sign of weak faith
• Learning to trust God when you can't control the outcome
• The importance of daily dependence on God
• How worship can transform our perspective in dark moments
• Why we need Christian community when life gets hard
• How suffering can equip us to comfort others
• Choosing vulnerability instead of suffering alone

A Powerful Reminder

You don't have to understand your suffering to trust God in the middle of it.

Karis shares how her relationship with Jesus became a foundation long before chronic illness entered her life—and how that foundation continues to sustain her one day at a time.

Don't Walk Alone

Suffering can make us want to isolate, but we're not meant to carry it alone. Karis encourages listeners to invite trusted people in, ask for prayer, and allow the body of Christ to offer encouragement and support.

If you're walking through suffering—or know someone who is—share this episode with them. Then subscribe to The MercyCast and join us for more conversations about faith, compassion, and finding hope amid life's adversity.

You are loved.

• Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts.
• Subscribe and rate on Spotify.

About Karis Meier

Karis is back to give a part two to our conversation on redeeming suffering. You can connect with Karis on Facebook,Instagram, and her website. Also, if you haven’t read her book, Suffering Redeemed, you can find it here.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

What if the hardest thing you're carrying could teach you how to carry someone else?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with pastor and author Tomy Cummins to talk honestly about trauma, mental health, emotional health, suffering, and what it means to care like Christ when someone is hurting.

Tomy shares his deeply personal journey of confronting childhood trauma, seeking healing, and learning how his own suffering equipped him to shepherd others better. Together, Raleigh and Tomy explore how the Church can create safer spaces for difficult conversations—and why we don't need perfect words to show up for someone in pain.

In This Episode

• Breaking the silence around mental health and emotional health
• Tomy's journey through childhood trauma and healing
• How to become a safe person for someone who is suffering
• Setting healthy boundaries while caring for others
• The difference between carrying someone's burden and carrying it for them
• Compassion fatigue and secondary trauma
• Why shepherds need shepherding, too
• Practical ways to respond when someone shares something difficult
• How the Church can create greater psychological safety

A Powerful Reminder

You don't have to fix someone's pain to love them well.

Sometimes the most Christlike thing you can do is sit with someone, listen, and remind them they're not alone.

Tomy also offers a practical challenge: practice how you'll respond before you're in a crisis. Learn to listen. Check your face. Know your boundaries. Build your own support system. And don't be afraid to point someone toward professional help when the weight is beyond what you can carry.

Take the Next Step

Who in your life might need someone to sit with them in the midst of a difficult season?

Share this episode with a pastor, parent, friend, ministry leader, or anyone who wants to learn how to care for people experiencing mental health struggles and emotional pain.

Subscribe to The MercyCast and help create a Church where people can bring their suffering into the light—and meet the hands and feet of Jesus.

• Subscribe and rate on Apple Podcasts.
• Subscribe and rate on Spotify.

Tomy Cummins is a longtime student pastor and author of Shepherds of the Mind: Caring Like Christ in an Age of Silent Suffering. See what people are saying about it! His work focuses on helping Christians respond to mental and emotional health challenges with biblical truth, compassion, wisdom, and hope. Follow on Instagram.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

Remember, You are loved.