Today we’d like to introduce you to Josiah Crandall.
Hi Josiah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was growing up, I loved listening to the radio. It wasn’t for the music though; it was for the stories. Programs like Adventures in Odyssey, Down Gilead Lane or Your Story Hour helped spark my imagination and bring truth to life. In fact it was a radio program (WeKids) that led me to ask my Dad, “How can I be saved?”
Now as a dad myself, I want to help families connect with stories in a similar way and experience the life change that comes from encountering living ideas.
For years my wife, Amanda, and I have dreamed off and on about how we could do this. Most days it seemed impossible, or something we would have to do in our old age, but then in the midst of looking for a new job we were asked a question.
“Have you considered sharing stories as your ministry?”
And then the follow up.
“And how about raising support to do it?”
This could be a ministry? That was supported by others?
It was like we were hiking in the woods and suddenly discovered a path hidden in the undergrowth.
Dare we go down it?
As we prayerfully considered, it became more and more clear that this was God’s calling. It’s scary and a bit crazy, but it is also a culmination of our personal stories.
And so we took that next step, said “yes” to God, and set off on this story of adventure and trust.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. Right now, I’m not even sure where the road is leading, but I’m excited for the adventure.
Looking back, though, I can clearly see the path that has led to this moment. Whether it was the teacher, Alice Schultz, who gave me the confidence to bring stories to life, the internship with Adventures in Odyssey that fulfilled a lifelong dream, or unexpectedly losing a job in the early years of our marriage and witnessing God’s provision, each step has shaped me.
Every bump, detour, and unexpected turn on the road of my story has had a purpose. None of it has been wasted. Each experience has led me to this moment and to the next step of starting Renewal Library.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always considered myself a storyteller, though storytelling has taken various forms over the years. As a boy, I drew comic books. In high school, I competed in dramatic arts. In college, I studied film. Whatever the medium, stories have always fascinated me, especially the kind that stay with you long after you’ve finished them and become part of who you are.
But it’s not just the finished story that I love. It’s the process. It’s what you learn along the way and the people you create with. My short(ish) film, The Library, took an incredible amount of work, but the friends who came alongside me throughout the process made it exciting and deeply rewarding. Even though the film isn’t perfect (nothing ever really is), it’s a piece of my life that I’ll always treasure.
What my wife and I are building with Renewal feels very similar. It will take work, and it won’t happen without partnering alongside others. Yet every conversation and every new connection remind us that this isn’t something we’re doing just for ourselves. We’re doing it because people need good stories, stories that inspire, challenge, and point them toward what is true good and beautiful.
I’ve mentioned Renewal several times already, so let me give you a clear vision of what we’re creating.
Renewal Library is both a physical and digital library full of curated stories and resources that spark wonder and encourage people to grow in the knowledge of God, mankind, and the world God has made. At its heart, Renewal is about connecting with people through stories and helping them connect more deeply with truth, beauty, and ultimately with God Himself.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy? A good story, games with friends, being outside in the woods and sitting at home with my wife drinking Hot chocolate (it’s especially nice if we have whipped cream).
Why do I like these things? Stories introduce me to new places, people and ideas. Games give me a challenge, but they provide a time to fellowship with people I love. The woods are both mysterious and calm. My wife is my best friend and spending time with her is a gift. Hot chocolate is just plain tasty (especially with whipped cream).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renewallibrary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renewallib/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JosiahCrandall
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/033IxGSaWGYeBXxTWQaQtB?si=24446c6bc315438a
