How Everyday People Live Out Their Christian Faith

Illustrating how men and women display their love for Jesus in their day-to-day lives.
Little things that may have an eternal impact. Might these stories motivate you to use your talents?
  • Children Mentoring

    BUILDING THEIR SELF ESTEEM

    I volunteer for a youth development program that helps girls of all backgrounds build self esteem, learn how to encourage others, combat bullying, and make healthy choices---all while training to run a 5K. As a pediatric ICU nurse, I'm around kids who can't go outside and play games or practice for a 5K. Being involved in this program allows me to be a part of young girls' lives as they learn and grow as a team, build lasting friendships and work with each other to achieve the day's goals. At the end of the season, the girls aren't the same as when they started. They're good friends and better equipped to deal with "ups and downs" of life. They see themselves and others in a more positive light. And as an added bonus, they're healthier too! Getting to be a part of this growth, watching them form friendships, and listening to them build each other up is such a blessing. I thank God for this program and pray for these girls daily.

  • Special Needs

    GOLFING WITH MY FRIEND

    I love to play golf. I've played the game for 30+ years. I even play in a number of charity events, because it's a way for me to give back since I've been blessed in my life. So earlier this year when my friend Bob had a stroke that affected his vision and was unable to drive, I told him I would come by, pick him up and we'd go play. We'd been playing together for several months before he had his stroke. He was reluctant to go because he didn't think he could play well due to his sight. But I thought he needed to get back out there to help his recovery and well-being. Besides, I enjoyed playing with him. So, we went to play and I would help him line up his shots since he couldn't see the ball to his left. He did just great! I think it helped him get better, and we've gone several times since then. It has given me a chance to help somebody I've always enjoyed being around, and who has taught me a lot about serving Christ every day.

  • Prison Ministry

    REACHING OUT TO MEN IN PRISON

    In 2002, I went to a ministry fair at my church and stopped by a table marked "Prison Ministry". It sounded a little intimidating but intriguing, so I accompanied a group of church members the next week to a prison. Rick, our leader, gave a message; then we sat and simply talked to the guys. I was touched by how much this meant to these men, to see people who had not given up on them. It really moved me. After going a couple times, I wondered why they didn't have any live music. Rick said: "We don't have anyone that can play any instruments!" I told him I could play the guitar so I was nominated to be the worship leader. I have found my calling. I lead everyone in two or three songs each week, and talk a little bit between songs. I try to offer them hope. You really get to form a bond with the guys there. I've been going for 14 years now, sometimes a couple times a week. Some guys may never get out of prison, but some are freer than we are because they have a relationship with Jesus. I don't have a lot of money and I'm not talented in a lot of things, but this is something I can do. And shouldn't we all be giving what we can?

  • Children Labor Special Needs

    HELPING THOSE CREATED FOR HIS GLORY

    It is intriguing how the Lord will use one person or event to change the course of our lives. A year and a half ago, I heard Joni Erickson Tada speak at church. After listening to her, my daughter and I volunteered as camp counselors at the Joni and Friends Family Retreat. I was so moved that I now volunteer in our church's ministry that serves people and families who are touched by disability. But I also learned about a ministry called Unless U, which serves adults with developmental disabilities and their families through continuing education and by promoting life skills, social skills, and independence. The Lord led me to begin volunteering at Unless U in June and I love it. I help students with various activities such as reading, writing, math, and social skills. Each week, I am blessed by the amazing students at Unless U. Through them, I have learned so much about God because I see His image reflected in these students. As I work with them, I continue to see His compassion, kindness, and mercy in the way they treat one another and others. Their beautiful, simple faith has taught me much about my own lack of faith. All in all, I have the privilege to see a glimpse of God's glory displayed in the hearts, attitudes, and interactions of my friends at Unless U. It is beautiful to see.

  • Children Mentoring

    BEING THERE FOR THESE BOYS

    Together, we volunteer with a boy's 8th grade class at an inner city school. We've been going there every other week for three years. We know the value of a male in a young man's life. And so many of these young men don't have fathers that are very active. If you don't have an interested dad, then there will always be something missing. It's important for them to have role models that might be different than what they see in their everyday world. We invest in these kids. We care about each one individually and take time to hear whatever they want to talk about. So many kids today don't have people they can trust. We as a society are not great at keeping our commitments. So we committed to stay with these boys until they graduate high school. If we honor that commitment, maybe it will show them something different that can make an impact for the rest of their lives. Jesus taught us that we are supposed to be connected to people. We are to love and to help people. Be givers, not just takers. So we give where we can. We all need to extend ourselves. The time we spend with these boys is very small in the grand scheme. It's not a hardship on us. In fact, it's one huge blessing in our lives.

  • Mission Work Overcoming Obstacles

    OVERCOMING HER FEARS TO SERVE

    I really hate to fly. Over the years, I had developed such an anxiety, followed by panic attacks. Especially now. Especially alone. Why would I go on a mission trip? Not with all the political unrest in our world. But God has given me a gift. I am a Nurse Practitioner. I can deliver babies. I can administer prescription medications. I can perform medical exams. Why not use these gifts to help others, who otherwise, may not receive it? Proverbs 3:27 says "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it." It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that I wanted to show Jesus in a tangible way to the people of Haiti. As I performed medical exams on people who had never seen a doctor, I was being the hands and feet of Jesus. Delivering babies, loving on new moms, educating soon-to-be moms. Loving others right where they are. Pointing others to Christ is what life is all about. I was able to share Jesus with them not only in a physical way, but as I shared the gospel story, in a spiritual way as well. You know, flying is not so bad after all.

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