Have a Heart

Support focus on the family as we launch the animated film "Adventures in Odyssey" journey into the impossible. Over 9,000 children each year make decisions for Christ after listening to "Adventures in Odyssey" and you can help by donating to the film's launch. There's a dollar for dollar match until May 1st or your gift will be doubled when you

give today, simply go to focusontheffamily.com/impossible. When we only think of a person as an enemy, we forget that there are also human beings, people with feelings, families, favorite basketball teams. The bulls, you wears their jerseys. Exactly. You see, changing physical hearts with someone can't change your personality.

But God can absolutely change your symbolic heart through circumstances, or through other people, or through his love. Don't you think it's possible that the undz personality difference could be due to the fact

“that he just went through an emotional life-changing experience?”

He didn't almost die. Yes, and if God also desires, he can use that kind of situation to soften the hardest of hearts. Well that dialogue is from our popular children's radio drama "Adventures in Odyssey". I'm John Fuller and today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daley, we'll be featuring

one of the many powerful stories from that radio series that drama, which helps children

navigate real-life questions and discover what it means to live out their faith. And it's a lot of fun. Let me just say that. Since 1987, we've been producing wonderful imaginative stories for kids of all ages. And now we have more than 1,000 episodes available at our website and store and families

absolutely love it. I think Odyssey is one of the best things we do. I'm so proud of our Odyssey team and the impact they're having, discipling generations of families with godly values and helping, on average, 9,000 children a year, make a decision for Christ.

Isn't that great? That's wonderful. And now we have an animated film project in the works called Journey Into the Impossible,

“which will introduce more families to the adventures and Odyssey stories and characters”

in a brand new way. Yeah, we're so excited about this new movie. It's scheduled to release in theaters later this fall. And while you're waiting, we encourage you to check out our Adventures in Odyssey website where you can learn more about the movie and all our audio episodes and a special club

we have for kids so they can listen to the entire collection. Find out all that and more in the show notes. And now for kids of all ages, we want you to experience an adventure's in Odyssey for yourself with today's episode called "Have a Heart." Alright, buddy, we're going to be late for the bus.

I'm coming. Really? My turtle walks faster and he only has one leg. So we need to stop and smell the roses sometimes. What's going on?

You're unusually optimistic today. Everything's just been going greatly. I got an AMI English project.

I wasn't the first person knocked out in a dodgeball game for a record two days in a row.

“And my mom accidentally put the wrong kind of peanut butter on my sandwich today.”

The unhealthy kind. Things are finally going my way. Hi Zoe, hi buddy. Oh, hang this smell, sir. Hello.

What are you doing with all that stuff? I am going to decorate this locker. Could you? Hold the sign for a second. Oh, uh, sure.

Welcome back. Who's coming back? Dianforkis. What? He hasn't been here in like three months.

It's been four, actually. I thought he moved to Chicago. No, he's still in Odyssey. Are we talking about the same Dianforkis

who declared the first Thursday of every month

national flick buddies your day? Why hasn't he been in school? Dianforkis should probably explain that himself. Once a month, I'll come home with my ear looking like a wilded slice of salami.

Hmm. Sue's back tomorrow. That's right. Well, we better go. Yeah.

Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Okay, bye. Well, we'll keep a kid out of school for four months. I bet he's been in a juvenile detention center. No, buddy.

Do you think his family went to Europe or something and they home schooled him, Mr. Radichar? No, Zoe. I bet I know where he's been. Where?

Langley, Virginia. Dianf, it's time to go. Well, all ready? Get in the car. I thought I had another six weeks.

No, your mission to be as annoying as possible to all living creatures in order to be a distraction

We're all stunned back in headquarters

“as to how incredibly annoying you could be in such a short time.”

Oh, thank you, sir. Get in. It's time to go to Langley. Well, I guess it's all part of the job when you're working for the C.I.A.

Earth to Buddy. The C.I.A. Oh, but that's it. Your imaginations in hyperdrive. I know Dianf's parents, and I know he's story.

He hasn't been working for the C.I.A. So, you know where he's been? Oh, I do, but it's a personal matter. I'm not going to betray his trust. Is he okay?

I mean, did the reason he's gone include losing the use of his right index finger? What?

The first Thursday of the month is coming up.

That's his flicking finger. Oh, I'm sure he's glad to be back. And we should be happy for him. Really? Do I have to be?

I mean, I feel like I just had four months of sunshine and now I'm getting a tornado warning alert. I'm a chance, Buddy. Dianf will meet friends right now. Why?

Because he just got out of jail?

“So, if you want to know what happened to Dianf,”

you'll have to ask him yourself. Okay. I know. I'll interview him for the school newspaper. Sounds like a good approach.

I don't know. Dianf's like a grizzly bear that's been hibernating for months. Hmm? So, you know, you'll be... Well, rested?

Hungry. Ah, it's so good to see you again, Dianf. No, you too, Mrs. Meltzer. Wait for this? What's going on?

Mrs. Meltzer looks like she's glad to see him. Maybe she is. No way.

He was always a troublemaker in her class.

So, how are you going to get this interview anyway? I thought it just asked him. Yeah, like that'll work. I know how that would go. Dianf, what's he doing interview with me?

I will do the interview in exchange for three things. Okay? A number one. Say please. Please.

Number two. Let me flick your ear. Go for it. Oh, fuck. Number three.

Side this document. What is it saying? It's surrender's buddies, right?

“To all future happiness, low and life purpose.”

Who the heck did he die? What? I guess. There you go. Wait a minute.

Hold those in another place to initial on page five.

And for Ben's buddy, for me, ten feet.

Forever. Pruna. No. There you go. No.

It's buddy. Oh. Hi, Dianf. Welcome back. Thanks, amigo.

Dianf. I've been to write an article for the school paper about you. Would you be willing to do an interview? Sure, Zoe. How about it, lunch?

Don't be great. Thanks. Hi, it's you, then. Bye, buddy. Uh.

Bye. What just happened there? Myocarditis? It's a heart condition. Mine was really serious.

When they figured out that I had it, they put me on all kinds of medication. But it wasn't enough. Wasn't enough for what? To keep me alive. Wow, really? That's so what did they do?

Well, the only option, a heart transplant. I went on the list and we waited for a donor. For how long? About a month. Then they did the surgery on November 8th.

Where did the heart come from? They wouldn't say. Those things are supposed to be confidential. But I heard my dad telling my mom that he saw the label and the container when it came in. Connamesville General Hospital. So I'm guessing it came from there.

Wow. Were you scared? It was pretty bad for my whole family. But I picked her as my phone. Some of me in the hospital and some of me going home.

If you want to use for your article. That would be great. Alright, I'll text him to you. Will you need anything else? No, that was perfect.

Thanks. Okay. Um, there was something I wanted to say to you, buddy. Yeah, I figured this was coming. Well, I want you to know they let me have it.

I'm sorry. What? Huh? Look, I used to be pretty mean to you. And a lot of people.

I called you a dweeb a lot. I made you feel terrible and it was terrible. Will you forgive me? Uh, is this a trap? No.

Alright, you. That's okay, yeah. You look just think about it, okay? He's only let me know if you need anything else. I've got, you know, a few more people to apologize to.

Okay. Bye, Dion. Yeah. See ya. Wow.

How is right? Has Dion actually changed?

Okay. You'll all get a chance to rotate so you can see each one. Ooh, I got to do both.

Oh, sorry, no, on your first cut, don't go too deep.

Okay. You want to be able to see the organs intact. Oh, this is going to be so fun. Oh, Dion, we chose partners last week. But you're welcome to join McKenzie and Cole right here.

Thank you, Mrs. Meltzer. Did you hear that? Thank you. He's got to be faking. Do you want to cut this thing?

I'm not really in the mood for a lizard autopsy. Oh, sure. Scuffle. Here you go, doctor. Thank you, winners.

What? Hey. Kid. Who was that? Down here.

On the table.

“Who won your round of dice up in the name of science?”

A talking lizard? Don't worry, I'm going to tell you insurance. I just needed to do something for me. I needed for me. I need a new heart.

Can you get me one? I'll be supposed to... I just look around. You got 14 hours to stare in the picture. You want me to take one of the other lizard hearts?

No. Not a lizard heart. Give me a frog heart. I want to be able to like jump. A ton of crawling around everywhere.

I'm going to rub them on my stomach. Okay? Yay. What are you doing? The frogs are talking to?

What's wrong with your lizard? Wait a minute. Harvey? Did you send this kid over here? Did you send this kid over here to treat my heart?

Oh, come on. Just switch with me. You're fairly even using yours. Oh, that lizard's been after me. Aren't for weeks now.

No, if you don't even jump anymore. All you do is lie around. Watch reruns of the muppets. Lizzards and frogs are both great. There's no need to talk.

Oh, what do you know about him? Wait a minute. What are we doing, Harvey? Here we are talking about each other's hearts. When we have the best heart rate in front of us.

Yes, my dear. Imagine what we could do with the human heart. Exactly. What? We could run faster.

Yeah, eat better food. It's all tired of flies.

We could use raisin and logic instead of always being like

Instinct, Instinct, Instinct. I could probably learn to do my own taxes. Stop! Stop what? What are you doing?

Sorry, Mrs. Meltzer. Get back to your dissection. Yeah. What was that about? That's it.

That's my tea on his being so nice. Why? It's his new heart. What are you talking about?

“Do you almost have gotten the heart of a nice person?”

Wow. You think I'm right? No. I just never really thought about the donor. I should cover that in my story.

Hmm. Meet me in the library at lunch. So, went to D.O.C.E. at the operation? Uh, November 8th. Right.

And he said the heart came from Carnalsville. So we searched for anyone who might have passed away in Carnalsville on or before November 8th. Hmm. Let's see.

Yeah. No, no. Okay. What keep scrolling? See here.

Oh, there. Carnalsville boy drowns in a boating accident on pure sleek. I just remember this. Jensen Dunlap aged 13. Ah.

How awful. Yeah. Oh, there's a picture. Oh. It looks nice, don't you think?

Yeah. Everybody was incredibly nice. I've been to Pierce Lake. Well, now I know how to write the story. What do you mean?

It should be on the importance of organ donation. All right, the Odyssey volleyball team has a game in Cardinalsville this weekend. If I write an article about the game, I could probably get a ride on the team bus. Ward 4. To find out more about him.

Almost there. Thanks for getting permission from me to come on the bus. Oh, yeah. I forgot.

“The only way I could get you on here is if you agreed to carry all the equipment for the team.”

Awesome. I still don't understand why you wanted to come. I have to know if it's true. What? If switching hearts can change your personality?

Think about it, Zoe. What if I was able to get the heart of some brave army guy? I could have the courage of a soldier. I wouldn't be worried about bullies ever again.

What is going to be the first person to ever survive getting flattened by a steam baller?

He's going to need some transplants. We have anything lying around the hospital that we can transplant into him. Yes. We have the legs of a cheetah. The muscles of a grizzly bear.

The wings of an eagle. A couple of dolphin flippers. Einstein's brain.

And about 4,000 snakes can sewn together.

He's going to look ridiculous.

“But when we're done, we may just have the greatest superhero this world has ever seen.”

Excellent. Skupple. Yes. Earth to Buddy. Huh?

You know you can't just get a new heart like you're buying fresh batteries. You have to have a bad heart already. And the person you get the heart from? They have to die. Oh.

Yeah. We're here. Who are you interviewing anyway? Jensen's cousin, mainly. A kid named Eric. We spent three days straight at the hospital.

And the news kept getting worse and worse.

Dr. tried everything. And then one night he came in and just didn't have anything else to try. I'm so sorry. Yeah, that was a really bad day. Jensen, he didn't last more than a few hours after that.

What? What was he like? Quite a little awkward. But man, he could be funny if he knew you. He just kept on himself mostly.

Was he nice? I guess. Was he polite? Friendly. We didn't talk that much. Yeah, he did yell at me once, reading his gummy bears.

To be honest, I just, I didn't get along with him all that well. But I still miss him. So, he was mean? No. No, no. I wouldn't say he was mean.

He was lonely. By choice, though, liked video games more than people. When it came time to choose whether or not to use his organs, was it... It seemed like an easy decision for his folks. They said if he could help someone else, Jensen would want to do it.

I don't know if I'm supposed to say this, but I'm pretty sure the boy who got his heart is named Dion. Really? He lives in Odyssey. Wow.

Is he a nice guy? He is now. There's Dion. Should I tell him? Sure.

I want to know who's hard. I had a Bible, him. Why?

“Because you want to know what kind of superpower is transferred to you?”

Well, I bet he's curious. Oh, hey, Dion. Hey, Zoe. Buddy. Hey.

I think I know something that you might want to know. But I don't... It might not be my place to tell you. What are you talking about? Your heart.

Huh? We... Think we know who it came from. Oh. Wow.

There's a boy in Connell'sville who died the day before you got your heart. We think he was your donor. Oh, what's his name? Jensen. Here I have a picture on my phone.

How did he? He drowned. A boating accident on pierce lake. No. Would you...

Would you text me a picture? Sure. And I'll send you my article before I handed over to my editor. Thanks. I need to call Jensen's mom and ask her permission to write about her son.

You're going to talk to his mom? Yes. Well, if that goes well, tell her... Tell her I'd like to talk to her too. He was practically crying.

Right there in front of me. And he didn't even care that I saw. It was so weird. Why was it weird?

I've just never seen anything like that from Dion.

I'm telling you, Mr. Whitaker, something happened with that heart transplant. Such as? I don't know for sure. But I was thinking about what you always tell us. That the Bible is the best place to go when you have unanswered questions.

So, that's what I did. And what did you find? This verse. I wrote it down. Ezekiel 3626.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

“And you think that's what happened to Dion?”

It's exactly what happened. It's obvious, don't you think?

But I'm curious about what you think it means.

Dion got a new heart and so he got a new spirit. God removed his heart of stone and replaced it with something human. Perhaps? All I can say is, Jensen must have been way more human than Dion. I can't say I agree there.

You don't think Jensen's heart may be Dion more human? Not a way you seem to be thinking about it. The heart transplant that Dion received was a physical heart. The heart is a muscle, it doesn't literally have anything to do with your personality. Then what's the Bible talking about?

Well, in the Old Testament, the heart symbolized the center of the emotions, the center of morality. In the book of Versamiel, when God said that man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. He wasn't talking about the muscle in your body that pumps blood. God looks at our spirit, our character, our thoughts and feelings.

So the transplant had nothing to do with Dion's change in personality? Oh, I believe it probably did.

“Here's the thing, you tend to see Dion as your enemy.”

But the problem is, when we only think of a person as an enemy,

we forget that there are also human beings, people with feelings, families, favorite basketball teams. The bulls, you wears their jerseys. Exactly. You see, changing physical hearts with someone can't change your personality. But God can absolutely change your symbolic heart through circumstances,

or through other people, or through his love. Don't you think it's possible that Dion's personality difference could be due to the fact that he just went through an emotional life-changing experience? He did almost die. Yes, and if God also desires, he can use that kind of situation to soften the hardest of hearts. Can you turn off your burner, buddy?

Sure. Are you done with your article? I must. I just need to figure out how to end it. Please wash out your beakers before you leave. The bell should be ringing in three or four minutes.

Hey, Zoe. Buddy. Hi, Dion. Hi. I like your shirt.

Bulls are my favorite team.

Yeah, no. Mine too. Good man. Dion. I wanted to let you know that, well, I've thought about it, and I do.

You, you do what? Forgive you.

“You asked me a few days ago, and I said I think about it, and I did.”

Oh, thanks, buddy. I appreciate it. Hey, Zoe. I want to invite you over to Whitsend after school. Oh, for what?

Well, I talked to Jensen's mother, and we're going to meet at Whitsend at 4 o'clock. And I thought you might want to be there. You know, for your story. It's 403. She should be here soon. Ah, my parents just texted me. They'll be here in a few minutes.

Oh, that's good. Are you doing okay, Dion? Well, I'm kind of nervous. Why? Oh, no. I mean, I just want Jensen's mom to like me.

Hi. I'm looking for a Dion, Farket. I'm Dion. Are you Mr. Stunlab? Yes.

Oh, it's so nice to meet you. How are you feeling? Great.

“Doctors are kind of amazed how fast the recovery went.”

I'm so glad. So everything went well with a surgery. Yes. I read Zoe's article about him. Jensen, I mean, he did cross-country.

He did. Not on his own. He was completely happy playing video games in his room. But we made him pick an extra curricular activity. He picked cross-country because it was something he thought he could do by himself. Running along the woods.

He liked solitude. Well, I'm kind of the opposite. I like noise. I hate running. What do you like doing?

Puzzles. Playing with my dog. What kind of dog do you have? Black lab? Sonny's his name. Jensen drew a little bit too.

He used to make me the cutest birthday cards. I still have them. I've been looking at them a lot lately.

I appreciate. You don't have to do that, Dion. It's enough to look at you. I brought a stout to scope.

“Would you like to listen to your son's heart?”

I'd like that very much. Did you hear it? It's very strong. Can I hug you? Could I listen again, please?

Sure. I think you were right, Mr. Whitaker. Oh, about what? God changing hearts. I think he just changed mine.

What a powerful conclusion of this special edition of Focus on the Family Featuring.

And adventures in Odyssey episode called "Have a Heart." It's a wonderful story, John, and so enjoyable for children. It's full of imagination. It allows people, this is the one thing I hear often from kids that I meet that listen to Odyssey. One, they know the script.

I mean, almost verbatim. From the parents they'll talk about how it helps the kids grow their imagination, which is why we do it. But also those thought-provoking values that we want kids to catch, how God can transform anyone, even the school bully. And they hear that. And it really is exceptional.

And this is just one of many episodes we've produced over almost 40 years. And over a thousand episodes are available, that library is growing all the time. 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 families can access the entire library of episodes, and also special members only content. And the big news is our new animated movie, Journey Into the Impossible, which will introduce a new generation of families to adventures in Odyssey.

Journey Into the Impossible is a thrilling origin story about Mr. Wittaker or Witt, as we call him, and his family moving to the town of Odyssey. It's kind of the prequel. There's going to be lots of action and mystery and fun for the whole family. So check it out at our website to get a sneak peek. And you know, the point of adventures in Odyssey is to entertain, but mostly inspire and point kids of all ages to Jesus Christ.

And it's our goal to reach 7 million new children and their families with the gospel through this film.

“That's a big goal, but I think we can do it.”

And we're inviting you to help us reach that goal. And you can be part of helping us finish this film, Journey Into the Impossible, and launch it in theaters this fall. Now some generous friends have agreed to provide us with a matching opportunity up to $1 million. And we need to hear from you right away, our fundraising deadline is May 1st. So every dollar you give is going to be doubled.

And John, here's why we produce adventures in Odyssey, and why we're inviting families to donate to this project. A girl named Victoria recently sent us this comment. I'm 14, and I love Odyssey. It's one of the main reasons I became a Christian at four years old. I was born with some difficult physical conditions, which required four major surgeries between the ages of two to ten. And every day is a physical struggle, but God and Odyssey were there for me.

I wish you could know how much of a positive impact you've made on my life. That's how that's good.

That's so touching. That's just incredible. How God uses those dramas to reach out and really transform a life.

See what happens when we work together to strengthen and support families.

“And we want to invite you to donate today and double your gift towards this important project.”

Help us reach more children like Victoria and their families for Jesus. Contact us today. Donate as you can. The numbers 800. The letter A and the word family. 800.232.6459. Or you'll find the details about adventures in Odyssey and that Aussie club I mentioned. Also the new movie, of course, journey into the impossible by clicking the links in the show notes. Thanks for listening to focus on the family with Jim Daley.

I'm John Fuller inviting you back, as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ. [Music]

But truth isn't something we decide. God has decided it for us.

And it's our job as believers to share his truth with a world in need.

I'll encourage you to do that through my podcast, Refocus with Jim Daley.

“I visit with fascinating guests about important topics like gender confusion, cancel culture and more.”

While helping you share God's love with others, listen at refocus with Jimdaley.com.