WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Wendell Brown, District Superintendent of the North Central Ohio Church of the Nazarene and founder of Tragedy Into Triumph.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation!

Wendell shares about his journey into ministry, serving as a pastor from 1994 to 2017 before being appointed District Superintendent 10 years ago and he explains the process of selecting and maintaining the role ass District Superintendent.

He explains the large footprint of the North Central Ohio Nazarene District, which includes communities from Delaware and Mount Vernon to Port Clinton, Ashtabula, Wooster, and Holmes County.

Wendell shares how the idea for Tragedy Into Triumph began while he was serving in Tennessee. Inspired by the story of former NFL player Siran Stacy, who lost his wife and four children in a tragic accident, Wendell felt God calling him to create an event focused on stories of hope and transformation through Christ.

Wendell shares how God has worked through Tragedy Into Triumph over the years, highlighting stories of people who have overcome addiction, loss, and difficult life circumstances through faith in Jesus Christ.

He tells the story of a woman whose life was transformed after attending an event. Through her faith journey, she found hope, recovery from addiction, and restoration with her children. Wendell explains the ministry’s message that no matter the tragedy, whether caused by personal choices or circumstances beyond our control, God can bring healing and transformation.

Wendell shares details about the 2026 Tragedy Into Triumph event happening November 2-4 at R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with services beginning at 7 p.m. each night. The event will also be streamed worldwide through a nationwide simulcast.

He shares that last year’s event reached more than 1,000 churches and approximately 1.5 million viewers, with over 12,000 making the decision to follow Christ.

Wendell introduces the first featured speakers:

Former Victoria’s Secret model Kylie Bisutti, who will share her testimony about identity, purpose, and finding true worth in Christ.

Carey Nieuwhof, one of the world’s top podcasters and church leadership voices, will share his personal struggle with anxiety, depression, and burnout, and how God brought healing and restoration.

The final night will feature Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of P.O.D., who will share how God transformed his life despite growing up in difficult circumstances surrounded by drugs and violence and how he overcame it.

Wendell explains how this year’s topics were chosen to address struggles many people face, including identity, mental health, and overcoming obstacles in life.

Wendell reminds us that the services are on November 2, 3, 4 at the R.R. Hodges Chapel/auditorium at MVNU and he shares the mission of Tragedy Into Triumph: to share real-life stories of transformation so people can find hope, believe in Christ, and overcome life’s struggles.

He emphasizes that everyone faces difficult seasons and that hearing authentic stories of God’s work in people’s lives can provide encouragement and direction.

Wendell explains that while people may debate theology or religion, personal testimonies of changed lives provide powerful evidence of God’s transforming work.

Wendell highlights additional resources available through Tragedy Into Triumph, including the book Living in Triumph, podcasts, free Bible studies, and ministry curriculum for churches, youth, and children.

He shares details about the ministry’s growing documentary series, including an upcoming episode featuring Brian “Head” Welch of the band Korn and a future release featuring former football coach Mark Richt.

The Tragedy Into Triumph event is free and open to the public November 2-4 at R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Wendell asks you to pray that people who need hope will attend and that lives will be transformed through the stories shared during the event.

Livestream information, event details, and ministry resources are available at tragedyintotriumph.com.