Oneplace.com

A Tongue of Fire

May 22, 2026
00:00

We’re featuring another thought-provoking episode of Adventures in Odyssey, a radio drama where children can learn about gossip and why it’s so harmful. This is a great reminder that kindness is always better than making jokes at the expense of others.

Dr. Danny Huerta: Teen anxiety is far more common than many realize. Racing thoughts and fear about the future can be overwhelming. But real hope is available. On Fearless Faith, you'll hear young adults like Caroline share how they've navigated anxiety with support and faith.

I'll walk you through where anxiety often begins along with practical steps towards healing. This message reminds you you're not alone and help is real. Learn more at navigatingteenanxiety.com.

Guest (Female): This program is sponsored by Focus on the Family, and your generosity brings hope to families every day.

John Fuller: This is John Fuller, and please remember to let us know how you're listening to these programs on a podcast, app, or website. Everyone knows it's all in fun.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, I mean, this isn't hurting anybody.

Mr. Whittaker: Not hurting anyone?

Jimmy Barkley: No. People have to learn to laugh at themselves, and if they can't take a joke, well, forget them.

John Fuller: Sometimes the joke goes too far, doesn't it? And it hurts more than it helps. Today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we're featuring another episode of our super popular Adventures in Odyssey radio drama, which offers life lessons and faith insights for children and many adult listeners as well. Thanks for joining us. I'm John Fuller.

Jim Daly: I love Adventures in Odyssey. It's one of the best programs we do here at Focus on the Family and it's having a huge impact on families. In fact, our research shows that an average of 9,000 children make a salvation decision for Christ every year because of Odyssey, and I can't think of a better endorsement than that.

One reason why we're talking about Adventures in Odyssey right now is because we have a new animated film in the works called Journey Into the Impossible. This fall, we plan to introduce millions of new families to the world of Odyssey and ultimately share the good news message of the Gospel through the movie.

We need your help. We want you to help us spread the word on this project, both in the funding and promotion of it. So we invite you to learn more about how you can do that and how you can support Journey Into the Impossible and Adventures in Odyssey at focusonthefamily.com/broadcast. But right now, we want you to experience an Adventures in Odyssey episode for yourself with today's episode called A Tongue of Fire.

Jimmy Barkley: Hello, Odyssey! This is Jimmy Barkley and the Jimmy Barkley Show on KYDS Kids Radio. You're at Whit's End asking the question, "If a duck flies, why is it chicken?" Yes, you're on the air.

Guest (Male): I just wanted to say that I think your show's great.

Jimmy Barkley: Is that G-R-A-T-E great or G-R-E-A-T great? Let me guess. You're a music teacher, right? I know what kind of people listen to this show, the kind who are a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter. What does your father do?

Guest (Male): He's a door-to-door salesman.

Jimmy Barkley: Really? Does he sell doors? Because that would make him a door-to-door door salesman, and getting customers would be real easy because all he has to do is walk up to a house, knock, and if he doesn't hear anything, then he knows he's made a sale. You all have a couple of hams left out in the yard.

Guest (Female): We went to Washington.

Jimmy Barkley: Really? Why?

Guest (Female): For vacation. We were tourists.

Jimmy Barkley: Tourists? You mean people who travel thousands of miles to take pictures of themselves standing beside their cars? You're the kind of people who take an IQ test and forget to write your names. And you're my type of people. Join the ranks of Jimmy-ites. Listen to the Jimmy Barkley Show on KYDS Kids Radio.

Well, that's my demonstration tape. What did you think, guys?

Eugene Meltsner: I feel the technical quality is superb.

Jimmy Barkley: You watch, Eugene. You produced it.

Eugene Meltsner: Really? Well, that was a very nice job, Eugene.

Jimmy Barkley: Thank you, Mr. Whittaker. But as I've mentioned before, there is an aspect that still mystifies me.

Mr. Whittaker: And what's that, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Why do people want to call in just to be teased?

Jimmy Barkley: Because it's entertaining. They're being noted. All those callers can now say they were teased on my show. It's a sign of popularity, a status symbol.

Eugene Meltsner: You understand now, Eugene?

Mr. Whittaker: Not at all. What did you think, Mr. Whittaker?

Mr. Whittaker: Well, I thought the tape was very amusing, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barkley: Amusing?

Mr. Whittaker: Well, pretty funny.

Jimmy Barkley: That's better.

Mr. Whittaker: I do have a bit of concern, though.

Jimmy Barkley: What do you mean, concern?

Mr. Whittaker: Well, I think sometimes you get a little close to the edge. Your banter comes awfully close to being insults. You've got to be careful what you say, Jimmy. You could hurt somebody's feelings. You understand?

Jimmy Barkley: Sure, Mr. Whittaker. I understand. Well, I better go.

Mr. Whittaker: Where are you going?

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, didn't I tell you? The reason I had the tape made is because I've got an appointment with Cryin' Brian Dern.

Mr. Whittaker: Who?

Jimmy Barkley: The most popular talk jockey at Odyssey 105 Radio. He's going to give me an evaluation of my program.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, well, that sounds exciting. Let us know how it turns out.

Jimmy Barkley: I will. See you later.

Mr. Whittaker: Goodbye, Jimmy. Very enterprising young man.

Eugene Meltsner: He certainly is.

Mr. Whittaker: Speaking of enterprising, Eugene, I have an errand I need you to run for me.

Eugene Meltsner: My bicycle and myself are at your disposal.

Mr. Whittaker: You won't be able to use your bicycle for this one. I need you to go to the Riley farm.

Eugene Meltsner: The Riley farm?

Mr. Whittaker: Yeah. Tom has some watermelons for us. You can't carry them on your bike. You'll have to drive.

Eugene Meltsner: Drive?

Mr. Whittaker: Uh-huh. You know how to get out there, don't you?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, sir.

Mr. Whittaker: Good. Well, here are the keys to the truck. Tom's expecting you. Well, what's the matter?

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker, I'm afraid I cannot comply with your request.

Mr. Whittaker: You mean you won't do it?

Eugene Meltsner: No, sir. I mean I can't do it, at least not legally.

Mr. Whittaker: Legally? Eugene, what are you talking about?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, this is rather embarrassing to admit, Mr. Whittaker, but I don't have a driver's license.

Mr. Whittaker: You don't have a driver's license?

Eugene Meltsner: Please, Mr. Whittaker, lower your vocal amplification. This is not information I wish to share with the world at large.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, I'm sorry, Eugene, but you know this is quite a surprise. I mean, you are in college after all.

Eugene Meltsner: Which is one of the reasons why I lack a license. My studies have always been so demanding I simply haven't had the time to pursue many of the areas of daily convenience. Bicycling is also far more environmentally and physically advantageous, you know.

Mr. Whittaker: Cars may cause a lot of pollution, but they're also something of a necessity these days.

Eugene Meltsner: Evidently.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, you should consider getting your license. It doesn't take long, and you'd be helping me out.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, what's involved?

Mr. Whittaker: There's a brief written exam and a road test. There's really nothing to it. Should be a breeze for you.

Eugene Meltsner: Very well then, I shall pursue it. May I take the rest of the afternoon to do so?

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, well, I guess I can send Connie out to Tom's when she comes in. Sure, Eugene. Go get them.

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you, Mr. Whittaker.

Jimmy Barkley: You're the kind of people who take an IQ test and forget to write your names. And you're my type of people. Join the ranks of Jimmy-ites. Listen to the Jimmy Barkley Show on KYDS Kids Radio. That's it, Mr. Dern. What do you think?

Brian Dern: Well, it's all right. You should be brutal with me. Don't spare me because I'm young. I can take it. I don't think you're going to have to take anything. I liked it.

Jimmy Barkley: You did?

Brian Dern: Yeah. On the whole, I thought it was pretty good. But there are a few technical problems. You know, the mic placement? You should try to put it so you're sort of talking past it instead of right into it.

Jimmy Barkley: Past it. Okay. What else?

Brian Dern: You might also want to take it easy on the effects. People want to hear you, not a bunch of crazy sounds.

Jimmy Barkley: Take it easy on crazy sounds. Yeah.

Brian Dern: And in my opinion, your main problem is you're a little too conservative in places, you know?

Jimmy Barkley: Conservative?

Brian Dern: Yeah. I mean, you're funny, but you don't move in for the kill often enough.

Jimmy Barkley: Move in for the kill. What do you mean?

Brian Dern: Well, for instance, that spelling thing you did with "grate" and "great." Did you do anything more after that?

Jimmy Barkley: Well, no. That was pretty much the end.

Brian Dern: See, you should have kept going. Start ranting and raving about the lack of quality education and teachers in the public schools. And that thing about Washington, a perfect opportunity to rip those bozos apart. People love it when you go crazy. What you've got here are great beginnings, but you've got to follow through.

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, what else?

Brian Dern: I can't give away all my secrets.

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, please. I want to learn. Just one more. Please?

Brian Dern: Well, if all right, I'll give you a surefire laugh-getter. Whenever you can, record people without them knowing it.

Jimmy Barkley: I tried that, but I really didn't get anything all that good.

Brian Dern: No, you don't stop there. After you record them, you cut the tape into clips like you did on your demo. Now that way, by asking the right questions, you can make them say whatever you want them to say.

Jimmy Barkley: What's the matter? Well, I was just thinking that when you do that, won't people be insulted?

Brian Dern: Insulted? You see those bags over in the corner? That's mail from listeners I've insulted. They love it! That's why we're on the air.

Jimmy Barkley: Wow. But don't you get any bad mail?

Brian Dern: Yeah, from one or two people who are really uptight or who have no sense of humor. But I'd never worry about them. For one thing, there aren't many of them, thank goodness. And for another, we're only kidding around, right?

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. Right.

Brian Dern: Sure we are! This is all in fun, you know. I mean, if they can't take a joke, forget them.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, forget them. That's great, Mr. Dern. Thanks.

Brian Dern: Glad to be of service, Jimmy. I think you've got the makings of a first-rate broadcaster if you keep practicing.

Jimmy Barkley: Really? Wow. Would it be okay if I played you my new and improved demo once I make it, that is?

Brian Dern: Absolutely. You come in anytime. Great. Well, I guess I better go. Thanks again. You're welcome. And hey, keep those ears tuned. Right. Bye.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, hi there, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barkley: Hi, Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker: See you've got your tape deck with you again.

Jimmy Barkley: Yep.

Mr. Whittaker: You do realize it's running, don't you?

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, yeah. You never can tell when a good soundbite will come up.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, that's true, but you may spend a fortune in batteries waiting for one.

Jimmy Barkley: I never thought of that. Maybe I better turn it off.

Mr. Whittaker: Good idea. So how'd your meeting go yesterday?

Jimmy Barkley: Fantastic! Mr. Dern liked my tape. He said I have the makings of a first-rate broadcaster. I've just got to keep on practicing.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, that's wonderful, Jimmy. Congratulations.

Jimmy Barkley: He even gave me some ideas on how to make my show better and funnier.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, did one of them include running your tape player all the time?

Jimmy Barkley: No, that was my own innovation. I'm going to use his ideas, though.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, I can't wait to hear them.

Jimmy Barkley: You will. He also gave me some suggestions on how to improve the technical quality of the recording.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, that was nice of him.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah. So I need to talk to Eugene. Do you know where he is?

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker! Mr. Whittaker!

Mr. Whittaker: I think that's him now.

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker! Hi, Eugene. Oh, hello. I needed to talk to you about—would you pardon me for just one moment, please? Mr. Whittaker, might I have a moment or two of your time?

Mr. Whittaker: Eugene, I think Jimmy has something he wants to talk to you about.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, I'm sorry, young Barkley. Could it wait until I've talked with Mr. Whittaker? I have something rather urgent to discuss with him. Urgent? Urgent? Urgent!

Jimmy Barkley: Sure, Eugene. Go right ahead. Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker: All right, come on in the kitchen, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you. If you'll excuse us, Jimmy.

Jimmy Barkley: No problem. Looks like a good opportunity to use the surefire laugh-getter. Well, little tape deck, it's time to go to work.

Eugene Meltsner: It's absolutely incredible, Mr. Whittaker, unbelievable! I cannot believe that this thing occurred.

Mr. Whittaker: Just calm down and tell me what the problem is.

Eugene Meltsner: I have no driver's license.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, didn't you take the test?

Eugene Meltsner: Of course I took the test.

Mr. Whittaker: So what happened?

Eugene Meltsner: I failed it. I flunked it!

John Fuller: Today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we're reviewing one of the many Adventures in Odyssey radio dramas that we have for children. We're learning about secrets and how dangerous gossip can be. Visit our website to learn more about this wonderful radio drama, the Adventures in Odyssey Club, where you can access all of the episodes and our new Odyssey film project coming out this fall. The details are at focusonthefamily.com/broadcast. And now, the conclusion of our children's radio drama on today's Focus on the Family with Jim Daly.

Jimmy Barkley: You know what else I don't understand? Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway? And another thing, why do they call it a boxing ring when it's square? Questions for you to ponder while we take a break. This is the Jimmy Barkley Show here on KYDS Kids Radio.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, Jimmy certainly sounds like he's in top form today.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed, Mr. Whittaker. Everyone appears to be enjoying him greatly.

Mr. Whittaker: Yes, I have to admit I was a kind of concerned when he went to see that Dern fellow.

Eugene Meltsner: I beg your pardon?

Mr. Whittaker: You know, Cryin' Brian Dern. Remember?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes. Well, understandable. From what I gather, he doesn't exactly have a pristine reputation.

Mr. Whittaker: No, but it seems he's helped Jimmy. Just goes to show you that you shouldn't judge people.

Eugene Meltsner: No, sir. Speaking of rendering assistance to those in need, I'd like to thank you for supporting me yesterday during my crisis.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, you're welcome, Eugene. Like I said, I really don't think it's anything to get upset about. It's happened to a lot of people.

Eugene Meltsner: But not to me, not ever. That's why it was such a shock. Anyway, I want you to know that I appreciate your confidentiality. Think nothing of it. Well, it seems we are in need of some fresh glasses. I shall retrieve them post-haste.

Mr. Whittaker: Thank you, Eugene. Oh, and you better bring some spoons out while you're at it.

Eugene Meltsner: As you wish.

Jimmy Barkley: We're back. This is the Jimmy Barkley Show here on KYDS Kids Radio. And today, I'm starting a brand new feature. It's called "Secret, Secret, I've Got a Secret."

Mr. Whittaker: Wonder what this is all about.

Jimmy Barkley: And to kick off our first edition, our microphones caught up with one of the most popular persons here at Whit's End, that main tower of brain power, Eugene Meltsner. So tell us, Eugene, what is your secret?

Eugene Meltsner: I have no driver's license.

Jimmy Barkley: You have no license and you're in college? I'm sure we're all wondering the same thing as Mr. Whittaker. Didn't you take the test? Well, Eugene, how about it?

Eugene Meltsner: Of course I took the test.

Jimmy Barkley: So what happened?

Eugene Meltsner: I flunked it!

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker, what is going on?

Mr. Whittaker: I don't know, but I can tell you what's going off and right now. Excuse me.

Jimmy Barkley: In short, the smartest guy in Odyssey flunked his driver's test. I flunked it! Shocking, shocking, shocking. Absolutely shocking. You know, it's amazing the things you hear when you—hey, it looks like we have a guest. Mr. John Avery—

Mr. Whittaker: Due to circumstances beyond his control, the rest of the Jimmy Barkley Show will not be heard today.

Jimmy Barkley: Not be heard? You're turning me off! But Mr. Whittaker—

Mr. Whittaker: I can't believe it! I just can't believe it!

Jimmy Barkley: But Mr. Whittaker—

Mr. Whittaker: I can't believe that you would do such a thing, especially after I expressly told you to be careful about what you say. Do you remember me telling you that? Do you?

Jimmy Barkley: Yes.

Mr. Whittaker: Then why'd you go ahead with this?

Jimmy Barkley: I'm trying to entertain people.

Mr. Whittaker: What you were doing is not entertainment.

Jimmy Barkley: Sure it is. People were laughing, weren't they? Well, that's all I'm trying to do is make people laugh.

Mr. Whittaker: Just because people laugh at something does not automatically make it entertaining. Besides, that kind of laughter isn't desired at Whit's End.

Jimmy Barkley: But everyone knows it's all in fun.

Mr. Whittaker: Fun? Yeah, I mean, this isn't hurting anybody.

Mr. Whittaker: Not hurting anyone? No. People have to learn to laugh at themselves, and if they can't take a joke, well, forget them.

Mr. Whittaker: I can't believe my ears. Did you learn this nonsense from Brian Dern?

Jimmy Barkley: Well, yeah.

Mr. Whittaker: Figures. Let me tell you something, Jimmy. Dern is 100% dead wrong. Flippant remarks and jokes of this sort do hurt people badly. Eugene was very upset about what you did.

Jimmy Barkley: But I'm just fooling around.

Mr. Whittaker: Not on this station you're not. As of now, you are off the air.

Jimmy Barkley: But Mr. Whittaker!

Mr. Whittaker: I'm sorry, Jimmy, but you've proven you can't be trusted. This radio station is here to build people up, not tear them down. Until you can learn to do that, you're off.

Jimmy Barkley: I'm off. I've got the most popular show on the station and I'm off. People really can't take a joke.

Guest (Male): Hey, Jimmy!

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, hi, Charlie.

Charlie: Hey man, listen, you're on the radio.

Jimmy Barkley: You mean I was on the radio. My show just got canceled.

Charlie: I'm not talking about your show. I'm talking about the Cryin' Brian Dern show.

Jimmy Barkley: What?

Brian Dern: So anyway, this local kid, Jimmy Barkley's his name, he comes into my office with this so-called demo tape. And he says he wants me to evaluate it for him. Well, I thought it would be a good idea to record this whole conversation.

Jimmy Barkley: What?

Brian Dern: So I say, "Are you sure you want me to do this?" And this is what he said.

Jimmy Barkley: Oh, please, don't spare me because I'm young. I can take it. Please!

Brian Dern: Now, I'm beginning to think this kid is a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter, you know what I'm saying? So I tell him, "Okay, this tape is a joke, right?"

Jimmy Barkley: A joke? A complete and total joke!

Brian Dern: But he said he liked it. Then I say, "You want me to go on?" and I kid you not, this is what he said.

Jimmy Barkley: It's all right. You should be brutal with me.

Brian Dern: So now I'm thinking that this kid really does have a few hams left out in the yard, you know what I'm saying? I mean, he's the type of guy who takes an IQ test and forgets to write his name. But I tell him, "All right, you really shouldn't give up your paper route." Well, he looks at me for a second and I say, "You want more?" and I kid you not, this is what he said.

Jimmy Barkley: Just one more. Move in for the kill.

Brian Dern: Can you believe that? So I told him flat out, "You just don't have what it takes, kid. Your voice isn't very good, your jokes are stale, and you have no timing." So Jimmy pal, if you're listening, I'm doing you a favor. I mean, it's better that you find out now from me that you have no talent than for you to keep trying year after year and never make it, you know?

I mean, sure you may be humiliated now, but trust me, one of these days you'll thank me. All right, we got to go to a spot. This is Cryin' Brian Dern on Odyssey 105.

Charlie: Wow, did you really say all those things, Jimmy? Jimmy?

Jimmy Barkley: No talent. Great. Just great.

Eugene Meltsner: Salutations, Master Barkley.

Jimmy Barkley: Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Partaking of the park's natural beauty?

Jimmy Barkley: Something like that.

Eugene Meltsner: Young Charles came into Whit's End and told us of your experience. Mr. Whittaker suggested that I find you to talk.

Jimmy Barkley: Look, if you want to yell at me, Eugene, go ahead. I deserve it.

Eugene Meltsner: Actually, Mr. Whittaker had something different in mind. He felt that I would be uniquely qualified to comfort you seeing as how I recently suffered through a similar experience.

Jimmy Barkley: Yeah, but I caused your similar experience.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed you did, and it gave me no small amount of embarrassment, I might add.

Jimmy Barkley: I didn't mean for it to, Eugene. I'm sorry. I just wanted to make them laugh, that's all. I guess there's a fat chance of that now.

Eugene Meltsner: Why?

Jimmy Barkley: Didn't Charlie tell you what Dern said? I have no talent. Besides, I've been pulled off the air.

Eugene Meltsner: Well, I believe that if you show Mr. Whittaker you can be responsible, he'll put you back on the air. And for what it's worth, I think Mr. Dern is wrong.

Jimmy Barkley: You do?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. You have talent, Jimmy. It's raw, rather immature, certainly untamed, occasionally unprincipled, but definitely there.

Jimmy Barkley: Thanks, Eugene, I guess. But do you really think Mr. Whittaker will give me another chance?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, we could make another demo tape and find out.

Jimmy Barkley: Could we? I mean, you'd do that for me?

Eugene Meltsner: On one condition.

Jimmy Barkley: What?

Eugene Meltsner: This time, keep me behind the microphone.

Jimmy Barkley: You got it, Eugene. And so he turns to me and says, "Never wrestle with the pig. You both just get dirty and the pig likes it." Well, this is Jimmy Barkley on Kids Radio here at Whit's End. I'll be back, I just got to go get some lunch.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, it's about time you came out. Mr. Dern!

Brian Dern: Oh, yeah? What can I do for you, old-timer?

Mr. Whittaker: My name is John Whittaker. I'm a friend to Jimmy Barkley.

Brian Dern: Who?

Mr. Whittaker: The youngster you made fun of on your program a couple of days ago.

Brian Dern: Oh, yeah, that kid. Well, look, if you want to rake me over the coals or scream at me, let's get it over with. I got a lot of things to do.

Mr. Whittaker: I didn't come here to scream or rake you over the coals. I came to thank you.

Brian Dern: You came to thank me? For what?

Mr. Whittaker: For teaching a young man a very important lesson.

Brian Dern: Now, what do you mean, Jimmy?

Mr. Whittaker: That's right. You see, a couple of days ago, he really wanted to be like you, Mr. Dern. But by doing no more than being yourself, you made him realize what a horrible prospect that really is. And for that, you have my undying gratitude. Good day, Mr. Dern.

Brian Dern: Yeah. Right. Glad I was able to be of service. I think.

Jim Daly: Well, it sounds like Cryin' Brian Dern has nothing to say for once. And in case you're wondering, today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we've presented an episode of Adventures in Odyssey. It's our very popular radio drama for kids and families.

Adyssey is such a wonderful program, so well produced. I think you can hear that, and it's fun and creative and thought-provoking, all at the same time, which is our aim. And the faith application in today's program, I hope is obvious.

In the book of James chapter 3, there are warnings about the tongue, how it's like a fire that runs out of control burning everything in its path, or the tongue is like a rudder of a ship, very small but powerful, and if you steer it in the wrong direction, you're going to crash. Our words matter. That's the point. God wants us to speak with kindness and encouragement to one another rather than insults.

Those are the kind of faith lessons you can find in each episode of Adventures in Odyssey. We want to help supplement what you're already doing to teach and disciple your children as followers of Jesus. And we have more than a thousand episodes of Adventures in Odyssey, and that library grows all the time. So you and your children can listen to these dramas on the radio or purchase them from our website or sign up for the Adventures in Odyssey Club, where for a small monthly fee, you can access the entire library of episodes and special members-only content.

And that's a lot of hours of listening. And the really big news is our new animated movie coming out this fall called Journey Into the Impossible. This is a prequel or origin story about the young Mr. Whittaker or Whit, as we call him, that features lots of action and mystery and fun for the whole family.

You can get a sneak peek by going to the website. But the most important goal, of course, is spreading the Gospel. We're hoping this movie will help us reach 7 million children and their families with the good news of Jesus Christ. That is a huge goal and bold, but we're inviting you to step in and help us reach it.

Consider a generous donation to Focus on the Family today to help us get this film out. Make a monthly pledge if you can, or a one-time gift, whatever you can afford. And here's the impact Adventures in Odyssey is having on families. Our target audience is children, of course, but many adults love it as well, like Halle, who said this, "I faithfully listen to and thoroughly enjoy all the Odyssey episodes. I may be a woman in my mid-40s, but these stories are as meaningful and spiritually enriching as any that I listen to while giving some wonderful lightheartedness to an otherwise challenging and weary world."

Wow, I mean, that is a great note from Halle, and I hope this inspires you to donate and help us share these wonderful faith stories and lessons with millions of more people. Call today. Our number is 800, the letter A and the word family, 800-232-6459. Or donate and get all the details about Adventures in Odyssey and watch that sneak peek of the new movie, Journey Into the Impossible, at focusonthefamily.com/broadcast.

Well, thanks for listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I'm John Fuller inviting you back next time as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ.

Guest (Female): I feel like I've blinked and now my newborn can walk and talk. Kids change so fast, don't they? It can be hard to keep up with each new phase. That's why I love Focus on the Family's Age and Stage newsletter. Each week, I get an email with resources curated by experts. They're full of biblically and clinically based tips tailored to your child, no matter what age they are. You can sign up today at mykidsage.com. That's mykidsage.com.

This transcript is provided as a written companion to the original message and may contain inaccuracies or transcription errors. For complete context and clarity, please refer to the original audio recording. Time-sensitive references or promotional details may be outdated. This material is intended for personal use and informational purposes only.

Featured Offer

Adventures in Odyssey Episode #193: A Tongue of Fire (Digital)

This is an individual Adventures in Odyssey Episode.*


Jimmy Barclay records an embarrassing secret about Eugene . . . and airs it on his Kids' Radio show.

Video from Jim Daly

About Focus on the Family

We want to help your family thrive! The Focus on the Family program offers real-life, Bible-based insights for everyday families. Help for marriage and parenting from families who are in the trenches with you. Focus on the Family is hosted by Jim Daly and John Fuller.

About Jim Daly

Jim Daly
Jim Daly is President of Focus on the Family. His personal story from orphan to head of an international Christian organization dedicated to helping families thrive demonstrates — as he says — "that no matter how torn up the road has already been, or how pothole-infested it may look ahead, nothing — nothing — is impossible for God."

Daly is author of two books, Finding Home and Stronger. He is also a regular panelist for The Washington Post/Newsweek blog “On Faith.”

Keep up with Daly at www.JimDalyBlog.com.

John Fuller
John Fuller is vice president of Focus on the Family's Audio and New Media division, leading the team that creates and produces more than a dozen different audio programs.

John joined Focus on the Family in 1991 and began co-hosting the daily Focus on the Family radio program in 2001.  

John also serves on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters.

Contact Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Mailing Address

Focus on the Family

8605 Explorer Dr.

Colorado Springs, CO

80920-1051

Toll-free Number

(800) A-FAMILY (232-6459)