Stories - Page 88 of 91 - The Christian Heart

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?

Labor Senior Citizens Verbalizing the Gospel
HEARING GOD’S QUIET VOICE

I was an electrician for the first part of my career but in 2000, I injured my back and had to undergo major surgery. The surgeon told me I would need to find a new line of work. You have a lot of time to think when you're laying in a hospital bed and I started praying about what God wanted me to do now that I had to make a career change. It's amazing how you can "hear" God when you are quiet. He spoke to me, saying I needed to minister to people in hospitals. There was a guy in the bed next to me, a painter, that didn't know the Lord, so I thought I should get started. I began sharing what He had done in my life. And wouldn't you know it, he accepted Jesus into his heart! As soon as I got out of the hospital, I met with the pastor of our small church. He encouraged me to move to a larger church where there was a need for such a ministry. My wife and I searched for a new church and there again, the Lord showed His hand. The minister said they needed help with pastoral care, so I started making hospital visits. I loved it. But little did I know that the hospital visits were just preparing me for something bigger. I felt The Lord was nudging me to minister to people in nursing homes. That next Sunday, while I was helping in the church parking lot, a member started talking to… Read More

January 10, 2017
Labor Verbalizing the Gospel
LIVING OUT MY FAITH AT WORK

I own a nail salon. In my line of business, customer service is key. I decided to open my own business so I could offer a smile and a listening ear to my clients. Often when people come to the salon, they've had a long day, are in a hurry, and are trying to treat themselves. They use this place as an escape. I am a Christian, and I want others to see that through my work. I have an opportunity to share my faith each day. I work six days a week and have chosen to be closed on Sundays for a day of rest, so my employees, my family and I can attend church. Few things are more important than the friendships we make. I'm thankful for this opportunity to grow with others and share my beliefs as I get to do what I love.

January 4, 2017
Children Unique Ministries
READING IN THE PARK

I am a retired florist, but I still love working and being as active as I can. It helps me feel purpose to "give back" to others. I began asking the Lord what my retirement years should look like--how I could continue to honor Him with my gifts and talents. My church has "adopted" a local school in our community that we serve in many ways: furnishing backpacks, handing out food, supplying coats for the winter. One thing that interested me was reading with children who are behind at school and don't have parents heavily involved in their lives. We call it "Reading in the Park" and I love it. To see children, as they begin to understand and develop a love of reading, is so rewarding. Investing in them so I can ultimately tell them about the good news of Jesus. Loving on them so they can see the love of Christ, all for His glory. All it takes is a couple of hours every Friday to show these children that they are loved, not only by me, but by their Creator. This is what my retirement years look like. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

December 27, 2016
Adoption/Foster Care Children
ADOPTING ONE OF GOD’S CHILDREN

The Lord has placed orphans on my heart since I was a little girl. I remember worrying about children my age who didn't have families to love them or food to fill their stomachs. It bothered me, and the compassion towards orphans and people from low income families has continued to grow in my heart in astounding ways. My husband, Matt, has been passionate about orphan care since our first year of marriage. God worked powerfully in the church we attended that year by leading ordinary sinners like us to take care of orphans, widows, and underprivileged people of all ages. The hurt on their faces and the hopelessness they faced was like something we had never seen or experienced before. That stuck. We won't forget it, nor do we want to forget it. Jesus calls us to take care of orphans, widows, and the poor. It is hard to know what that looks like sometimes when most people are busy working full time, raising kids, balancing activities, and trying to keep heads above water. But we only live on this Earth once, and there are so many people out there who need God's love. All of these facts and feelings led us to our decision to adopt a baby. We felt like the Lord was shouting from the rooftops when He answered our prayers of what to do about beginning a family. It was more than obvious to us that He was directing us down this path, and there was no turning back, and we are so very thankful for… Read More

December 19, 2016
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.

December 12, 2016
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.

November 29, 2016

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Adoption/Foster Care 39

Church Activities 61

Financial Help 18

Loss Of Loved One 50

Loving Your Neighbor 73

Mission Work 52

Overcoming Obstacles 141

Prison Ministry 13

Senior Citizens 23

Special Needs 50

Unique Ministries 180

Verbalizing the Gospel 84

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