Category: Listen

Meet the Guides: Peter Batarseh

January 19, 2024 •

Get to know the team behind Dwell Daily, our all-new biblical devotional for spiritual transformation, available exclusively in the the Dwell app!

Biography

Peter Batarseh is a Jordanian Christian living in Nashville, Tennessee since 1993. For 17 years he served as a parish priest and a first-responder chaplain. He and his wife Diana have five inspiring young adult children. Diana is the creator of Ask Me WhoOo, a children’s music catechism project, and founding head of school at King’s Academy Nashville. Peter now loves spending time with Piper the Aussie-doodle, in his carpentry shop, and working on a Master’s Degree in Orthodox Christian Theology.

Q&A

  1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

    I was born in Ajlun, Jordan, ancient Mt. Gilead, just five months after the 1967 Six-Day War. The following year, we moved to America. I was raised near Rochester in Lima, NY, and have lived in Nashville, TN, for 30 years.

  2. What drew you to join this project with Dwell?

    I had the joy of meeting Tripp Prince. When I learned he was part of the Dwell team, I took the opportunity to share how my wife, Diana, and I have been active listeners for a good while and that listening has been a significant source of encouragement! We have served God in ministry roles for nearly four decades, including serving Christian authors in recent years as vocal talent, recording a handful of books for Audible. I told Tripp that if the opportunity ever presented itself, I would be honored to participate in the Dwell community! And here we go, delighted to be a small part of the lives of our listeners and friends through Dwell Daily.

  3. What is your favorite story or character in the Bible?

    Do many people say Jesus? I remember like it was yesterday; Mrs. Vellekoop told our VBS kindergarten class about the love Jesus showed for us on Calvary’s cross. From that moment on, I wanted to listen to anything Jesus said and be just like him.

  4. Do you have a favorite verse of Scripture?

    Revelation 12:11 reminds me how we share a journey that will have moments of joy, but this world also promises to be fraught with sadness, pain, and grief—some of which will seem insurmountable. The Apostle John gives us a look behind the scenes and reminds us of our foe, but even more so, the path Jesus victoriously cleared by overcoming the powers of death and darkness. Here, we also learn that sharing our stories of overcoming hardship can encourage someone else in theirs. Our stories are not just our own—they testify to God’s power and faithfulness in our lives, something we should share with our world.

  5. What is one thing you hope the Dwell community gains through this new content? 

    I will start by saying, “Don’t Believe Everything You Think.” For instance, when staring down the face of an unexpected challenge, trauma, or conflict, in the heat of the moment, we are not offered the luxury to contemplate and form the best response. By then—it’s too late. When the alarms begin to blare, we only have a blink of time to retrieve whatever technique, tool, thought, or truth we’ve stored away, If our tank is empty, we’re left to REACT, exasperating the fire. My hope and prayer is that as we daily fill our minds and hearts with the vast array of God’s promises, we are equipped to pause, take every thought captive, silence negative assumptions and lies—and RESPOND according to the eternal truths of God’s word. “…Whatever is True…Think On These Things.” (Philippians 4:8)
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Meet the Guides: Jessika Gössl

October 18, 2023 •

Get to know the team behind Dwell Daily, our all-new biblical devotional for spiritual transformation, available exclusively in the the Dwell app!

Biography

Jessika Gössl is a devoted Voice Over Artist on a divine mission to share the Word of God through her voice. Beyond the recording booth, she nurtures her creative spirit by writing stories and cultivating her vegetable garden, all while dreaming of one day owning a farm that echoes the Creator’s gifts. Her compassion extends to rescuing strays, as she spends her free time rehoming and caring for abandoned animals.

Q&A

  1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

    I grew up in Surrey, England, and still, 30 years later, live in this beautiful green county.

  2. What drew you to join this project with Dwell?

    During last year’s season of Prayer and Fasting, my apostle mentioned the Dwell app, holding its incredible features in high esteem. Fueled by curiosity, I decided to check it out, and have been gripped ever since. Now, as I reflect on 2023, I find myself incredibly blessed with the opportunity to collaborate with the Dwell team, a blessing that has enriched my walk with Christ in countless ways.

    Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed the power of studying and sharing the Word of God with others; it often fosters connection, spiritual growth and transformation. What excites me most about this project is the opportunity to fellowship with one another and begin our busy day by purposefully and prayerfully unpacking the Word of God as He speaks to us. This daily practice is a gift and holds immense potential for enriching our lives and deepening our relationship with the Father.

  3. What is your favorite story or character in the Bible?

    Since I was a child, my favorite character in the Bible has been Job. Job’s journey through immense suffering, his unwavering faith and his ultimate restoration have always been both astounding and inspiring to me. When I think of Job, I’m reminded that even in the face of my own adversities, placing my faith and trust in God is never a mistake and can lead me to redemption and renewal.

  4. Do you have a favorite verse of Scripture?

    It’s hard for me to choose just one, but one of my many favorites is Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” I love this powerful reminder to put my trust in God’s presence and protection, even in the most challenging and daunting circumstances. That I don’t have to succumb to fear, because when I surrender everything to God, He is there to guide, protect and comfort me.

  5. What is one thing you hope the Dwell community gains through this new content? 

    My prayer for the Dwell community is that Dwell Daily becomes a treasured daily moment of stillness and reflection with God amidst life’s hustle and bustle. It’s my hope that it draws each member closer to God’s presence, allowing them to savor and abide in the richness of His love and truth anytime, anywhere. I pray this communal experience fosters a curiosity about God’s Word and leads to a deeper relationship with Him and a transformation into the likeness of Christ.
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Meet the Guides: Ian Wooldridge

August 30, 2023 •

Get to know the team behind Dwell Daily, our all-new biblical devotional for spiritual transformation, available exclusively in the the Dwell app!

Biography

Ian lives, works, and plays in Vero Beach, Florida with his wife Jordie and their little girl, Eden Joy — oh, and also with their very wild goldendoodle! He serves as a pastor at Pillar Community Church, and enjoys reading, birdwatching, and tending to creative music and writing pursuits outside of his day-to-day pastoral work. His aim in life is very simple: to love God, love like God, and to know union with the Trinity through apprenticeship to Jesus Christ.

Q&A

  1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

    I was born and raised in Louisville, KY, but now call Vero Beach, FL home!

  2. What drew you to join this project with Dwell?

    I’m very excited to have been invited into this project because I have always resonated with Dwell’s heart: to recover the ancient practice of listening to Scripture. What particularly excites me about this project is to have the opportunity to not just read Scripture over folks, but to be able to carefully and prayerfully guide them into experiencing how God might be speaking to them through the reading.

  3. What is your favorite story or character in the Bible?

    Aside from Jesus, my favorite character would be Barnabas. In Acts 11, it says of him that “he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” It’s my deep desire, too, to be pervaded by virtue and full of the Holy Spirit — so that as a result, people might come to know friendship with Jesus.

  4. Do you have a favorite verse of Scripture?

    My favorite verses are Philippians 2:3-4. My prayer is to know this kind of humility so as to love like Jesus loved.

  5. What is one thing you hope the Dwell community gains through this new content? 

    My hope and prayer is that the Dwell community would find Dwell Daily to be a sweet opportunity to pause each day, come home to the presence of God, and to leave from that pause refreshed in His love and truth. I’m excited for how God will move in peoples’ lives through this simple yet powerful practice!
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Meet the Guides: Viv David

August 30, 2023 •

Get to know the team behind Dwell Daily, our all-new biblical devotional for spiritual transformation, available exclusively in the the Dwell app!

Biography

Viv David lives into her name pretty well: she’s full of life, creativity, and vivacity! She enjoys jumping into life wholeheartedly: cooking, gardening, singing, hiking, writing, and hanging out with friends. Viv hosts folks on retreat in her big old house in Eastern Ontario when she’s not planning spiritual formation resources for the staff team at Youth For Christ across Canada. 

Q&A

  1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

    I live in a rural area of Ontario, about an hour from Ottawa, not far from where I was raised. I drive by my old highschool all the time. I had always been open to leaving and exploring the world, but through all my travels, God seems to bring me back to my home soil. This past year, my mom and I partnered to buy a big old house that we’re working on shaping into a small retreat centre, so we’re planted here for the next little while, for sure! If you’re ever out near Ottawa, send me a message and I would be thrilled to host you!

  2. What drew you to join this project with Dwell?

    I’ve always loved encouraging people to look at scripture through a different lens, watching it come alive as we talk and share out loud. Reading scripture together is an important part of growing into Christ’s heart, for me. The opportunity to walk with others through the spoken Word of God is a great gift for me. When I sit down to record the pieces for Dwell Daily, I think of each person hearing on the other end. It’s so cool to know that we’re all connected through the Holy Spirit as we listen to God’s word and pray!

  3. What is your favorite story or character in the Bible?

    I really really like to think about Thomas. I don’t like to call him “Doubting Thomas” because I think he’s just being honest and real about the things he’s wondering after Jesus died and then resurrected. I appreciate being given permission to ask tough questions, to have moments where I’m not sure. It’s special to know that Jesus went out of His way to meet Thomas in exactly the way that he needed. I love experiencing moments like that in my own life, where Jesus walks with me and answers my heart’s longings.

  4. Do you have a favorite verse of Scripture?

    I think Psalm 16:8 is a verse that puts in words alot of the things I want to remember alot of the time in my faith journey: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” My eyes need to keep being reminded of where to go — to God. When I keep my eyes on God, life takes on a shape that is hopeful and joyful. It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life and forget to look to God. 

  5. What is one thing you hope the Dwell community gains through this new content? 

    My prayer is that Dwell Daily will open up a community of connectivity, where listeners can hear other people’s ideas about scripture which will stir up their own imaginations and curiosity about God. Hearing the Word in a group reminds us that we are not alone in our walk with Christ. As we share ideas and questions, we grow together. I’m humbled to get to be part of that conversation in community.
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Meet the Guides: Tripp Prince

August 30, 2023 •

Get to know the team behind Dwell Daily, our all-new biblical devotional for spiritual transformation, available exclusively in the the Dwell app!

Biography

Tripp Prince serves as the Head of Formation at Dwell. Prior to this, he worked for over a decade as a pastor in parishes across the United States. He holds a master’s degree from Regent College, as well as a doctorate from Nashotah House Theological Seminary. Additionally, he is currently studying ancient Christianity at the Antiochian House of Studies. Tripp, his wife Rachel, and their three children make their home in the countryside of North Georgia.

Q&A

  1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

    I grew up in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. My father is from a rural town south of the city, and my mother is from Texas. As such, though I was raised in Georgia, my “expat” mother ensured my siblings and I were raised with a healthy love for all things Texas. I’ve since lived in multiple states and countries, yet decided a few years back to return home, and now my wife and I are raising our three children just a few miles from where we grew up.

  2. What drew you to join this project with Dwell?

    I was a backer of the original Kickstarter and have had a love for the Dwell mission from day one. A few years back, I had the opportunity to come on board full-time with the Dwell team, which has been an incredible honor and joy. In my opinion, Dwell Daily represents a first step into the long-term future of Dwell. While “on-demand” access to Scripture through a wide range of self-guided plans and playlists will always be a part of our identity, we believe there is an incredible opportunity for us to encourage deeper engagement and formation in and through Scripture in the form of guided experiences that are led by faithful and trustworthy Christian leaders.

  3. What is your favorite story or character in the Bible?

    I have always been deeply fascinated by King David. As a child, I was drawn to the stories, such as his battle with Goliath, his friendship with Jonathan, or his decision to spare Saul’s life. Yet as an adult, I now take great solace and comfort in his Psalms and his example of a life of repentance, contrition, and trust in the goodness and mercy of God.

  4. Do you have a favorite verse of Scripture?

    For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:6 (ESV)

  5. What is one thing you hope the Dwell community gains through this new content? 

    It is my prayer that these experiences lead people into a deeper encounter with God through his Word. By learning to attentively listen and prayerfully respond, these experiences invite us deeper into an abiding life with Christ, one in which we are able to experience his love, anytime and anywhere.
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Meet the Guides: Jon Bailey

August 30, 2023 •

Get to know the team behind Dwell Daily, our all-new biblical devotional for spiritual transformation, available exclusively in the the Dwell app!

Biography

Jonathan Bailey is an advocate for a Christian spirituality that is rooted in the Christian tradition but also practical for people living in our technological world. He is Co-founder at Dwell. Jonathan also serves on the Ministry Team of Renovaré, a non-profit ministry that models, resources, and advocates fullness of life with God experienced, by grace, through the spiritual practices of Jesus and of the historical Church. He also is the creator of The Inward Odyssey newsletter, which is sent out each week to people who long to deepen their life with God. He lives in North Dal­las with his wife Kori, son Gray, and daugh­ters Abi­gail and Liv.

Q&A

  1. Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

    I grew up in Plano, Texas, a booming city not far from where I now reside. Living in Frisco, just north of Dallas, has become home for me and my family. I enjoy the time spent with my wife Kori, son Gray, and daughters Abigail and Liv, all of whom make life a joy.

  2. What drew you to join this project with Dwell?

    It’s exciting to be part of Dwell’s mission, guiding people through thoughtful experiences with Scripture. There’s something special about participating in this role; helping others connect with ancient Christian practices through Dwell is more than a job – it’s an incredibly meaningful experience. That’s really what I love about Dwell, it weaves together ancient practices and modern technology, forging a link between the wisdom of our Christian Tradition and the ease of technological innovation.

  3. What is your favorite story or character in the Bible?

    I have a deep admiration for the Apostle John. As one of Jesus’ closest companions, his insights and writings have always struck a chord with me. His unique relationship with Christ offers me profound lessons of love that inspire my own transformative journey today.

  4. Do you have a favorite verse of Scripture?

    The introduction to John’s first letter is something that has always captured my imagination. There’s a rich depth of meaning and connection in his words that always draw me in. The entire letter is one of my favorites. It’s filled with profound insights that guide my understanding of what it means to apprentice myself to Christ.

  5. What is one thing you hope the Dwell community gains through this new content? 

    My hope for the Dwell community is that they will be inspired by a slower, more reflective approach to engaging with the Bible. And I pray that that inspiration leads them to cultivation, which ultimately leads to more transformation into Christ’s likeness.
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